Kaleme

Kaleme (Persian: کلمه) is a Persian word meaning "word." In media and publishing, Kaleme has been used as the name of several outlets and publications within Persian-speaking communities. The best-known instance is the independent Persian-language online news portal Kaleme, launched in the late 2000s by Iranian journalists and members of the diaspora. Kaleme provided coverage of Iranian politics, civil rights, culture, and social issues, with a focus on reformist and human-rights concerns. It reported on developments in Iran's political scene, including events surrounding the 2009 presidential election and its aftermath, and published original reporting, interviews, and analysis. The site was cited by international media and human rights organizations.

Access to Kaleme's content often faced censorship and technical challenges. The outlet operated largely from outside Iran and used mirrors or external hosting to maintain reach amid restrictions. Contributors and editors communicated with readers through newsletters and online platforms, and Kaleme collaborated with other exile and international media networks to disseminate information.

The site’s activity fluctuated in the 2010s, and while less prominent today, its reporting is considered part of the broader diaspora journalism ecosystem that arose around Iran's reformist movements. Archival copies of Kaleme’s articles remain available through web archives and mirrors. Beyond the portal itself, the name Kaleme continues to appear in various contexts as a common Persian term meaning “word.”