Why are the U.S. and Israel striking Iran? Professors provide context to ongoing war in the Middle East

By Luke Clister, Staff Writer • March 17, 2026

The war has received a low approval rating from the American public, and many Americans are questioning its goal. Because the context of the war is convoluted for some, Pitt professors help explain the possible reasoning behind Trump’s decision making.

‘We don’t need an Iran War’: Protestors in Schenley condemn U.S. strikes on Iran

By Naomi Weiss, Assistant News Editor • March 2, 2026

About 40 people filled Schenley Plaza to protest Saturday’s strikes on Iran, holding signs reading, "Hands off Iran" and chanting, "We don't need an Iran War.” Organized by the Pittsburgh branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, the group spoke out against the violence and advocated for a reallocation of military spending to social services.

MENASA student leaders concerned after Pitt says they have no plans to release University-wide statement on Iran

By Betul Tuncer, Managing Editor • November 19, 2022

MENASA expressed concern over Pitt’s delayed response to a letter demanding a statement on human rights issues in Iran. Pitt said they are working on providing application fee waivers to prospective students in Iran and mental health resources.

More than 100 student leaders release letter urging Pitt for an official statement on situation in Iran

By Betul Tuncer, Managing Editor • October 21, 2022

The Middle Eastern North African Student Association sent a letter to the Chancellor Thursday afternoon urging Pitt to release an official statement on the “atrocities in Iran.”

Editorial | Iranian women deserve autonomy

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • October 2, 2022

Whether Jina Amini chose to wear a hijab has nothing to do with her personal worth and should never have contributed to the way she was treated by anyone, especially the morality police. 

Pitt to revisit plans for Finnish, Iranian rooms

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer • March 3, 2020

The Finnish and Iranian rooms will most likely be due for a review of their progress with the University in August, according to Maryann Sivak, the assistant to the director of the Nationality Rooms.

Iranian students, faculty discuss Pitt environment

By Rebecca Johnson, Senior Staff Writer • February 2, 2020

Separation from family is not uncommon. Some have seen discrimination rise alongside tensions between the United States and Iran following the death of Iran’s highest level military commander, Gen. Qasem Soleimani. According to BBC News, Soleimani was killed by an airstrike launched on Jan. 3 under orders from President Donald Trump. Iran fired missiles on two U.S. bases in Iraq in response. 

Opinion | WW3 memes show a dangerous lack of understanding

By Julia Kreutzer, Senior Staff Columnist • January 12, 2020

Making memes out of political chaos is not the same as turning lemons into lemonade.

Former ambassador examines Iran nuclear deal

By Cassidy Power and Remy Samuels | The Pitt News Staff • February 23, 2018

Former U.S. ambassador Dennis Jett equated the Iran Nuclear Deal negotiations to a “foreign policy food fight” Thursday in Posvar Hall. “One should not confuse honesty and politics — they’re...

“She Who Tells A Story” challenges Western preconceptions of Arab women

By Kelechi Urama / Staff Writer • June 10, 2015

In the Heinz Galleries at the Carnegie Museum of Art, a black and white photo by Shirin Neshat depicts a woman’s hand over her closed mouth.The words of Forough Farrokhzad, one of the most influential...