The story: A nascent petrochemical plant in Iran’s northern Mazandaran province has spurred controversy over environmental concerns. While the government has announced that the project will be paused in the face of a public outcry, its development is reportedly proceeding. The plant is set to be built in the Miankaleh Peninsula, which was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1976.

The coverage: Iranian activists have been vocal about the environmental consequences of the petrochemical plant. Land started being cleared for construction in March...