Source description last updated: 7 February 2019
 
In brief: Iran Focus is a news service provider focusing on current events in Iran, Iraq and the Middle East.
 
Coverage on ecoi.net:
Coverage discontinued in June 2016.
 
Mission/Mandate/Objectives:
“Iran Focus is dedicated to providing comprehensive, up-to-date information and news on the Persian Gulf region in a fair and balanced manner. We provide a wide array of daily news, weekly and special feature packages, commentary, news analysis, and investigative reporting. […] Through editorial initiatives and access to opposition sources, our stories offer an insight into the complex situation in Iran and the Persian Gulf region that is indispensable to scholars, journalists, politicians, business people and all those interested in this sensitive part of the world.” (Iran Focus website: About us, March 2004)
 
Nema Milaninia notes the following on Iran Focus:
“[…] the current executive director of Iran Focus is Mohammad Hanif Jazayeri. Hanif is the son of Hassan Jazayeri [former head of the armed opposition movement Mojahedin-e Khalq].” (Milaninia, Nema: Iran Focus (www.iranfocus.com): The MKO Propaganda Machine, 15 September 2005)
 
“Nema Milaninia is a trial attorney with the Office of the Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC)” (La Pietra Dialogues Website: Nema Milaninia, undated).
 
“The People’s Mujahedeen of Iran, more commonly known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq or MEK, is a controversial Iranian resistance group; it was once listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States for its alleged killing of U.S. personnel in Iran during the 1970s, and for its ties to former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Recognizing the group’s rejection of violence, the State Department delisted the MEK in late 2012 but voiced ongoing concerns about its alleged mistreatment of its members.” (Council on Foreign Relations: Mujahadeen-e-Khalq (MEK), 28 July 2014)
 
“The Iran Focus website uses language supporting the MKO cause. There are particular ideological positions and phrases which MKO members and supporters use.” (Milaninia, Nema: Iran Focus (www.iranfocus.com): The MKO Propaganda Machine, 15 September 2005)
 
Funding:
The website of Iran Focus provides no information on its sources of funding.
 
Scope of reporting:
Geographic focus: Iran, Iraq and the Middle East.
Thematic focus: Human Rights, Women, Terrorism, Iran & Neighbors, Economy.
 
Methodology:
Iran Focus publishes articles and reports with information obtained from various other news agencies and NGOs.
“With a network of specialists and analysts of the region and correspondents and reporters in several countries, Iran Focus is able to provide fast and reliable exclusive news and analysis on the political, social and economic situation in Iran and its effects on the region.” (Iran Focus website: About us, March 2004)
 
Language(s) of publications:
English and French.
 
Further reading / links:
Milaninia, Nema on: Payvand Iran News: Iran Focus (www.iranfocus.com): The MKO Propaganda Machine, 15 September 2005
http://www.payvand.com/news/05/sep/1122.html
 
All links accessed 7 February 2019.

Methodological note:

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