Iran-HRM – Political prisoner Soheil Arabi, tortured by authorities while on hunger strike, has been transferred to Branch 1 of the Khomeini Hospital emergency section.

Radiofarda – Reports originating from Tehran City Council say it is more likely that “political pressure” has been the underlying reason for centrist Mayor Mohammad Ali Najafi’s resignation, although his illness was also instrumental in his decision to step down in mid-March.

Iran-HRM – A group of political prisoners in the prisons of Evin, Gohardasht and the Greater Tehran Penitentiary staged a 3-day long hunger strike protesting the closed political space and lack of any freedom. The statement says ‘We the political prisoners in Evin, Gohardasht and the Greater Tehran Prisons will go on Huger stick for 3 days starting on Sunday, …

Al-Arabia – US President Donald Trump sent greetings on Monday to Iranians celebrating the New Year’s holiday known as Nowruz, but used the message to attack Iran’s government, particularly its powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. “I wish a beautiful and blessed Nowruz to the millions of people around the world who are celebrating the arrival of spring,” Trump said. He …

Al-Arabia – In an uncommon escalation of the brewing power struggle within the different wings in Iran, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad disclosed the size of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s fortune estimated at $800 billion toman, the equivalent of about $190 bln, accusing him of stealing people’ money and advancing oppression to silence critics.

CHRI – Imprisoned civil rights activists Atena Daemi and Golrokh Iraee Ebrahimi are being denied medical care in an Iranian prison known for its inhumane living conditions, the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has learned. Daemi’s mother told the Center for Human Rights in Iran on March 13, 2018, that Ebrahimi had lost about 13 kilos (28.6 lbs.) …

CHRI – “They Should Come Out and Say There is No Freedom of Speech” Sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned from “making speeches, writing articles, giving interviews or having a presence on social media” for two years, Iranian political analyst Sadegh Zibakalam plans to appeal what he describes as a politically motivated conviction.

Al-Monitor – One of the current concerns of international companies planning to do business in Iran is the threat of a US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the reintroduction of US secondary sanctions. While EU officials are trying to think of mechanisms to counter potential future sanctions against European companies and banks, the more important …

Al-Monitor – With his two closest confidants behind bars, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is lashing out by writing open letters to both Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. On March 13, former Vice President Hamid Baghaei began a 15-year sentence over a corruption conviction. Shortly after, Ahmadinejad’s closest adviser, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, protested …

PayvandNews – To mark the beginning of the Persian New Year, also known as Norooz, visual artists have decorated Tehran with large colored eggs. The new year starts on Tuesday, March 20 this year. Norooz (literally “New Day”) is the name of the , also known as the New Year, which is celebrated worldwide by the and , along with …