Shabtabnews In this dark night, I have lost my way – Arise from a corner, oh you the star of guidance.

iranintl – In recent years, Iranian authorities have often announced significant discoveries of oil and gas reserves, but, in reality, the government has faced tremendous challenges – often self-inflicted – in actually extracting these resources. In February 2017 authorities revealed the presence of two billion barrels of shale oil reserves in the western province of Lorestan. To try and ascertain …

iranintl – The Mayor of Tehran’s persistence in constructing a mosque at one of the capital’s parks, despite public objections, may be linked to the Basij militia’s involvement in quelling anti-government protests. The Mayor, hardliner Alireza Zakani, along with other officials, say the construction of a mosque at Gheytarieh Park is in response to “popular demand” for providing places of …

Iranwire – Saeed Madani, a sociologist, university professor, and prominent researcher in social sciences, was transferred to Damavand Prison, IranWire reports.  Authorities acted at the request of the Ministry of Intelligence and with the prosecution’s approval to transfer him. In January 2022, Madani received a nine-year prison sentence from the Revolutionary Court. The charges against Madani included “forming and leading …

Iranwire – Iranian women and children rights activist Samaneh Asghari has begun serving a one-year prison sentence, her husband says.  Ismail Nazari, the activist’s spouse, said in an Instagram post on April 3 that Asghari went to the prosecutor’s office in Tehran and was transferred to Evin prison. In November 2022, the Islamic Republic’s judiciary sentenced Asghari, a student at …

Iranwire – A woman was arrested by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence for displaying an Israeli flag in the streets of Tehran, Fars news agency reported. The report did not disclose the woman’s identity or her current location.  It was also reported that she was apprehended while allegedly attempting to leave the country. This incident underlines the ongoing …