Stories from Tehran · Iran

The United States has deployed F/A-18C Hornet fighter jets to the Middle East. The US military continues patrols and maritime blockade operations in international waters. The exact number of aircraft and their specific mission details were not immediately disclosed.

A Reuters investigation revealed that an Iranian cryptocurrency platform named Nobtex operates as a secret clearinghouse. The scale of Nobitex's market share is described as a major factor in the Iranian crypto economy. Iranian cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex has grown to serve over 11 million customers since its inception in 2018. This user base represents more than 10% of the Iranian population. According to Reuters, the platform currently handles approximately 70% of all Iranian token transactions. The company has become a primary investment route for Iranians in digital asset markets. Blockchain analysis firms have not identified any illicit transfers of millions of dollars linked to sanctions evasion by these companies. Nobitex currently holds approximately 70% of the market share for transactions involving the Tether (USDT) symbol in Iran. The data was reported by Radio Farda.

Radio Farda reported that Iran has carried out 27,262 executions over the past 47 years. Iran remains suspicious of US diplomatic sincerity and believes a renewed conflict is highly probable. Sardar Azadi of Iran's Armed Forces stated that the possibility of renewed conflict is high, but Iran is ready. Iran is maintaining its stance of suspicion and distrust towards US diplomatic sincerity. Iran has made preparations to safeguard its interests and national security, anticipating a high probability of renewed conflict with the United States. Maritime intelligence from the vessel tracker Shipwatcher on May 3 indicated an Iranian state shipping company vessel was active. Senior official Sardar Azadi of the Iranian Armed Forces stated on May 2nd that the possibility of renewed conflict between Iran and the US is high, and Iran is fully prepared.

Oil storage facilities are approaching a critical capacity of 48 million barrels following a maritime blockade. imposed a naval blockade on April 13th is currently more than 36,000. Zhihu users are discussing the impact of the US maritime blockade on Iranian crews following a brief period of perceived stability after a ceasefire. Marines have seized at least one Iranian vessel, which is part of a larger maritime operation. This figure was reported by a journalist speaking to the media. The number of seized vessels has reached at least six, according to reports. One of at least six vessels has been seized by U.S. This action occurred in the waters near Tehran. Since that date, multiple ships have been boarded, according to reports. The seizure of the Iranian vessel is one of at least six such incidents involving US Marines.

A Reuters investigation has identified Ali and Mohammad Kharazi as being involved with a company managing one million users in Iran. The brothers reportedly operated under the pseudonym 'Agha Mir' to conceal their connection to the Kharazi family for security reasons.

A reasonable solution regarding relations or concessions still exists, according to a report from Iran International.

A network of Iranians has been smuggling Starlink satellite terminals into Iran to bypass the country's internet blackout. Users in Iran are utilizing Starlink satellite internet to circumvent ongoing internet blackouts in the country. These disruptions have been in place since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February. An anonymous member of the smuggling network spoke to the BBC regarding the operation. The source did not specify the exact destination country or the scale of the smuggling operation. The terminals are intended to maintain communication capabilities despite state-imposed restrictions. The source stated the activity is for getting credible information out of the country despite the risk of severe consequences for families. A reporter spoke with an individual involved in the smuggling efforts.

Unexploded American and Israeli weapons were detonated in Iran, according to a report from TRT Haber Radyo. The detonation involved weapons of American and Israeli origin that had previously failed to explode.

President Trump is considering airstrikes against Iran. Witkoff suggest both sides may not be far apart regarding the nuclear issue. Discussions include the suspension of uranium reduction and managing high uranium stockpiles. Current discussions on Zhihu are focusing on the specific details and information available as the US-Israel-Iran conflict reaches day 65. Chinese Foreign Ministry reports that China-US relations show bright prospects amid the ongoing 65-day conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iranian missiles were intercepted with relatively little damage reported, though drones successfully attacked civilian installations in Gulf countries. Military strikes have primarily consisted of bombings and have struggled to degrade Iranian military capabilities, specifically regarding drones. The source noted that drones are physically difficult to combat.

A conflict of wills continues between Tehran and Washington, involving both military and economic considerations. The move aims to stifle Iranian oil exports and pressure Tehran into an agreement on Washington's terms. This follows reports that Iran sent a proposal via Pakistan on Thursday. Iran has specified demands for the lifting of maritime blockades, the cancellation of sanctions, and the release of frozen funds held abroad. The country is also utilizing stockpiling due to production cut decisions. Media reports indicate that Iran sent the proposal through Pakistan on Thursday evening. The Iranian leadership's actions have been described as humiliating the nation. Current discussions regarding the status of US-Iran tensions continue to trend in Chinese social media discussions. Iran insists the matter be resolved within 30 days.