Iran Reporter

Iran Reporter

Location Arlington, VA

Position Number 1831

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Job Announcement

Iran Reporter

Primary Function:

The Iran Reporter is responsible for deep, sustained, enterprise-level coverage of Iran across politics, security, nuclear affairs, regional influence, and internal power dynamics. This role is not driven by daily headlines, but by continuity, expertise, and strategic insight-ensuring MBN's Iran coverage is authoritative, anticipatory, and differentiated.

The Iran Reporter develops long-arc stories, explanatory frameworks, trackers, and analysis that help audiences understand how Iran works, not just what it does. This role supports major investigations, newsletters, briefings, and flagship products across the network.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:

• Enterprise Coverage & Insight

• Lead long-term editorial focus on Iran's political system, power centers, and strategic behavior.

• Track and analyze developments related to:

• The nuclear file and sanctions

• IRGC and security institutions

• Supreme Leader office and elite politics

• Iran's regional network (Hezbollah, militias, Houthis, Syria, Hamas)

• Domestic pressure points (economy, protests, succession)

• Identify patterns, red lines, and strategic shifts rather than reacting to daily noise.

• Story Development & Editorial Leadership

• Develop enterprise story ideas, investigations, and thematic series related to Iran.

• Work with the Enterprise Editor to shape content including articles, newsletters and explainers.

• Provide editorial guidance on framing, accuracy, and nuance for Iran-related coverage across desks.

• Research, Verification & Context

• Maintain deep institutional knowledge on Iran, including key figures, entities, and historical context.

• Prepare background memos, timelines, and research briefs for editors, correspondents, and producers.

• Fact-check and review high-impact Iran stories to ensure accuracy and avoid mischaracterization.

• Cross-Desk Collaboration

• Work closely with:

• DC correspondents on U.S.-Iran policy

• Regional editors on Iran's footprint in MENA

• Newsletter editors on framing and continuity

• Video and formats teams on explainers and interviews

• Serve as the internal point of reference for Iran-related questions across the newsroom.

Other Duties:

Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Candidates are required to have:

• Bachelors' degree in Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, or related field.

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in political, foreign affairs, or international reporting.

• Demonstrated subject-matter knowledge of Iran and regional geopolitics.

• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a 24/7 news environment.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or extended hours during major news events.

• Professional working proficiency in Persian (Farsi) required.

• Fluency in Arabic required; English proficiency required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Global Affairs, Middle East Studies, or related field.

• Experience in bilingual or international media organizations.

• Familiarity with Washington-based policy, diplomatic, and national security institutions.

• On-camera reporting and interviewing experience.

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.

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