Oscar-nominated director calls Iran a 'failed state' after his co-writer's arrest
The Oscar-nominated Iranian screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian was arrested after condemning the regime's crackdown on protesters, which director Jafar Panahi says represents the actions of a "failed state."
It Was Just An Accident, a film by Jafar Panahi, left.'/>The Oscar-nominated Iranian screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian was arrested after condemning the regime's crackdown on protesters, which director Jafar Panahi says represents the actions of a "failed state."

Source: Oscar-nominated director calls Iran a 'failed state' after his co-writer's arrest (https://www.npr.org/2026/02/04/nx-s1-5696562/jafar-panahi-mehdi-mahmoudian-it-was-just-an-accident)