Al-Monitor – In a message of defiance and apparent preparedness for escalation, Iran warned on Monday that it could capture American vessels after the Pentagon beefed up its presence in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.   “The Islamic Republic is capable of reciprocating any mischief by the Americans … including through seizure of their vessels in reciprocation,” said Brig. Gen. Ramezan …

Al-monitor — Britain sanctioned more than two dozen targets Tuesday including firms and individuals in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Iran in what London described as the “largest ever UK action” targeting Russia’s access to foreign military supplies for its war against Ukraine. In a statement, the UK Foreign Ministry said it had sanctioned 22 individuals and businesses outside Russia …

RFL/RE – Javad Ruhi, a 35-year-old Iranian protester from the northern city of Amol whose death sentence was overturned by Iran’s Supreme Court, remains in temporary detention more than 10 months after he was arrested as his case continues to be passed around regional Iranian courts. Ruhi was arrested in the northern Iranian city of Nowshahr on December 11 for participating in …

Iranwire – The head of the Union of Journalists in Tehran province marked Iran’s National Journalist’s Day on August 8 by declaring that journalism in the country is going through a “dark era,” with an increasing number of media workers being arrested, dismissed, censored or forced into exile. “The era of journalistic suppression continues,” Akbar Montajabi said on Twitter, noting …

Iranwire – The jarring sounds of an elevator or a doorbell send them into a state of panic, solitude serves as a stark reminder of their loneliness, and the cacophony triggers haunting memories of their days of interrogation. By Sara Rasouli, citizen journalist Long-lasting psychological effects accompany many individuals who have experienced imprisonment in the islamic Republic’s dungeons. “The duration …

Iranwire – After numerous trips by political and military officials of the Islamic Republic to Russia to finalize the sale of Russian weapons to Iran, it is now clear that, for the moment at least, the dream of equipping Iranian armed forces with the latest Russian armaments will not come true. *** Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Islamic Republic’s …

Iranwire – Iranian authorities arrested two journalist brothers just days ahead of National Journalist’s Day, local media reported.  Mehdi and Majid Nikahd were both taken to an undisclosed location on August 4.  There was no immediate information about the reason behind their arrest or the charges they face. Mehdi Nikahd is the editor-in-chief of Nameh-e-Amir magazine and correspondent for the …

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) – Arsalan Kazemi and an unidentified man were executed for drug-related charges in Arak Central Prison. According to HRANA news agency, two men were executed in Arak Central Prison on 6 August. One of the men’s identities has been reported as 32-year-old Arsalan Kazemi. The second man’s identity has not been reported. At the time of …

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) – Ahmad Hashemi, a man on death row for drug-related charges, has been transferred for execution in Hamedan Central Prison. According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, at least one man was transferred to solitary confinement on August 7, in preparation for their executions in Hamedan Central Prison. One of the men has been identified …

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) – Juvenile offender Yaser Fathi who was transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for his execution in Zanjan Central Prison, has been returned to his cell after obtaining an extension from the plaintiffs in the case. According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, Yaser Fathi was returned to his cell in the middle of the …