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Steve Inskeep Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition and Up First.
Steve Inskeep, photographed for NPR, 13 May 2019, in Washington DC.
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Steve Inskeep

Middle East

Disqualified Candidate Sits On Sidelines Of Iran's Parliamentary Election

Iranians are voting Friday in a parliamentary election but not everyone who wants to be a candidate is permitted to run. A group must affirm candidates are properly educated, religious and loyal.

Disqualified Candidate Sits On Sidelines Of Iran's Parliamentary Election

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At Persepolis, Iran's Grand Past Overshadows Its Frustrating Present

Tourists at Persepolis marvel at the grandeur of a bygone age amid worries about the future. Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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Parallels

At Persepolis, Iran's Grand Past Overshadows Its Frustrating Present

For Iranian tourists at this ancient Persian capital, awe for the past is tempered by disappointment about the present. "We have nothing new that makes us special in the world," says one visitor.

At Persepolis, Iran's Grand Past Overshadows Its Frustrating Present

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After Prisoner Swap, Anxiety Over Jailed Iranian-American Businessman

Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi, shown here in a snapshot at California's Golden Gate Bridge, was arrested by Iranian authorities in October. Courtesy Bijan Khajehpour hide caption

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Courtesy Bijan Khajehpour

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After Prisoner Swap, Anxiety Over Jailed Iranian-American Businessman

The U.S. and Iran swapped prisoners last month, before the lifting of sanctions. But Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American businessman, remains in an Iranian jail, raising concerns among the diaspora.

After Prisoner Swap, Anxiety Over Jailed Iranian-American Businessman

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In Tehran, Waiting For Signs Of Change In 'A New World'

Sara Noghani (left) and Pooya Shahsiah are co-owners of a Tehran shop. Noghani is weighing an opportunity to reside in Australia but wants to give things in Iran a fair chance. Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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In Tehran, Waiting For Signs Of Change In 'A New World'

NPR's Steve Inskeep revisits three Iranians he met last year to find out if their lives have changed because of Iran's nuclear agreement with world powers. "We are actually in a new world," says one.

In Tehran, Waiting For Signs Of Change In 'A New World'

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After Prison, A Tough-Minded Optimist Looks To Iran's Future

"I've had more than 50 years [of] fantastic life," says Saeed Laylaz. "One year in prison is nothing against it." Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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After Prison, A Tough-Minded Optimist Looks To Iran's Future

Saeed Laylaz, a former journalist and economist, has been a vocal advocate of reform in Iran. He was jailed in a 2009 post-election crackdown, but now runs an auto business. "I am alive yet," he says.

After Prison, A Tough-Minded Optimist Looks To Iran's Future

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The Carpet Weaver Of Shiraz

Zarafshan comes from a family of carpet weavers, dating back to her great-grandmother. Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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The Carpet Weaver Of Shiraz

A carpet weaver in the ancient city of Shiraz continues her family tradition, but doesn't earn enough to support her large family. Will the easing of economic sanctions on Iran make a difference?

The Carpet Weaver Of Shiraz

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In Iran, A Poet's 700-Year-Old Verses Still Set Hearts Aflame

Medhi Salimian uses the words of Hafez — and the help of his bird, Sarah — to tell fortunes. Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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In Iran, A Poet's 700-Year-Old Verses Still Set Hearts Aflame

The 14th century Persian poet Hafez remains venerated in Iran, even though he wrote of wine, romance and other topics not necessarily welcome in today's Islamic Republic.

In Iran, A Poet's 700-Year-Old Verses Still Set Hearts Aflame

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The Precarious Existence Of Iran's Sunni Muslims

Sunni imam Aziz Babaei, in his prayer room in Tehran, has been telling other Iranian Sunnis to be careful. One radical act, he warns, could bring pain on the whole community. Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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The Precarious Existence Of Iran's Sunni Muslims

Shiite-majority Iran is home to millions of Sunnis, including the Sunni imam who opened his door to NPR's Steve Inskeep in Tehran. "We live together nicely," he insists. But he must speak with care.

The Precarious Existence Of Iran's Sunni Muslims

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Digging Deep To Build The Tallest Hotel In Iran

Construction trailers are suspended in the middle of the 240-foot concrete wall that's been dug below ground level. This area will eventually become the underground parking garage at the hotel. Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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Digging Deep To Build The Tallest Hotel In Iran

Ebrahim Pourfaraj started digging a giant hole in Tehran well before sanctions were lifted. He's betting Iran's economy will open up, attracting investors and visitors who've long been locked out.

Digging Deep To Build The Tallest Hotel In Iran

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Middle East

On The Streets Of Tehran, Searching For Signs Of Economic Improvement

Steve Inskeep takes the subway around Tehran — meeting ordinary Iranians along the way. Many are skeptical about whether recent sanctions relief will improve their standards of living any time soon.

On The Streets Of Tehran, Searching For Signs Of Economic Improvement

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Flint Needs Long-Term Solutions To Unsafe Water, State Official Says
NPR

National

Flint Needs Long-Term Solutions To Unsafe Water, State Official Says

Steve Inskeep talks to Brian Calley, Michigan's lieutenant governor, about plans to use state and federal funds to deal with Flint's troubled water system. Drinking water is contaminated with lead.

Flint Needs Long-Term Solutions To Unsafe Water, State Official Says

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LISTEN: Billionaire Charles Koch Says He's Behind On Political Spending

The organization of donors led by Charles Koch (above) and his brother David has vowed to spend $889 million to influence the 2016 election. Yet he suggested to NPR he is merely playing defense, not offense. Getty Images hide caption

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Politics

LISTEN: Billionaire Charles Koch Says He's Behind On Political Spending

The organization of donors led by Charles and his brother David has vowed to spend $889 million to influence the 2016 election. Yet he suggested to NPR he is merely playing defense, not offense.

LISTEN: Billionaire Charles Koch Says He's Behind On Political Spending

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In Kentucky, The Coal Habit Is Hard To Break

A coal miner stands in the Dotiki mine, operated by Alliance Coal, in Webster County, Ky. Steve Inskeep/NPR hide caption

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National

In Kentucky, The Coal Habit Is Hard To Break

The coal region of western Kentucky has managed to keep its mining industry alive through changing energy trends of the past few decades. That is, until now.

In Kentucky, The Coal Habit Is Hard To Break

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LISTEN: Jeb Bush Says Trump Is 'A Creature Of Barack Obama'

Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep on Wednesday in Boston. Kayana Szymczak for NPR hide caption

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Kayana Szymczak for NPR

The Two-Way

LISTEN: Jeb Bush Says Trump Is 'A Creature Of Barack Obama'

The former Florida governor offered up a theory on Donald Trump, which has provoked a lively debate on social media, in a year-ending interview with NPR News.

Jeb Bush on 'Morning Edition'

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