Stories from Tehran · Iran

The Iranian Supreme Leader has stated that Iran will defend its nuclear capabilities. His remarks follow reports of the Iranian oil industry struggling under a U.S. Navy blockade. The leader also stated that Americans belong at the bottom of the Persian Gulf. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Kamalay stated that a new chapter is emerging for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Kamalay described the future of the region as bright by God's will. The global economy is currently experiencing strain due to Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz. The message includes directives for 44 commercial vessels to return immediately to Iranian ports as of today. He warned that any foreigners carrying out transgressions in the Strait of Hormuz have no place in its waters. The announcement comes while questions remain regarding the new leader's actual power level.

Iran has been retained on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist. The status remains unchanged according to the report. This designation impacts the country's ability to engage in international financial transactions.

Inflation in Tehran has reached levels where a sandwich costs 5 million rials. The minimum wage is reported at 200 million rials, making essential goods like rice, fruit, and sugar difficult for parts of the population to afford. The government has recently authorized supermarkets to sell these items. Iranian citizens are attempting to resume daily activities, including reopening cafes, restaurants, sports clubs, and commercial shops in Tehran. However, the population faces severe economic crises, specifically the collapse of the Iranian Rial's value and rising prices. The source noted that these economic pressures continue to follow the resumption of normal life.

Iran is currently discussing a railway project that would connect China to Iran via Afghanistan. The source noted that while previous options like air strikes on power plants were not effective, the blockade is working.

An Iranian reformist candidate has been introduced to the public. The announcement follows discussions regarding the responsibility of the current administration and the IRGC for economic hardships facing millions of Iranians.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei announced a new management approach regarding the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea. There is uncertainty regarding potential Iranian retaliation and countermeasures.

Supreme Leader Gamanij issued a written message via state television stating that the rocket program will not be abandoned. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that a new chapter is forming in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian authorities are refusing to temporarily suspend the sentence of a political activist to allow for specialized medical care, according to the Narges Foundation.

The President may choose to use renewed escalation in the conflict to break the current deadlock. Some analysts suggest this could involve rapid and powerful strikes targeting Tehran to declare victory.

2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Nargis Mohamed is facing a risk of death, according to a statement from the Narges Foundation. Mohamed was arrested in December after criticizing the Iranian government. She suffered a heart attack in March. The foundation reported she has lost 19 kilograms. The source noted that prisoners are being held in isolation in closed cells without telephone access to prevent contact with the outside world. This weight loss occurred despite medical recommendations. The announcement was released at 12:03 Brasília time. The Narges Foundation reported that activist Narges Mohammadi has lost 19 kilograms and suffers from constant chest pain following a March heart attack. Her blood pressure remains at dangerous levels and is unresponsive to medication. Iranian authorities have refused requests to suspend her sentence for specialized medical treatment.