Stories from Tehran · Iran

Supporters of the Supreme Leader and the political leadership in Iran are planning to hold rallies in Tehran on Wednesday. The demonstrations are expected to take place on Anqali and Azadi streets, which span approximately 11 kilometers in the capital. The gathering aims to show support for the current political system. The rally is expected to involve figures such as Abbas Araqi and Ahmad Vahid from the Revolutionary Guard. Protests are being organized to take to the streets in support of the new leader and the political leadership.

An Iranian source stated that the Iranian people have forced a US retreat. The source claimed the United States is no longer able to impose its policies on independent nations. It was stated that the US must accept this reality and renounce what were described as excessive demands.

The White House declined to comment on assessments regarding potential long-term damage to Iran's energy industry. Analysts suggest a return to normalcy in the Strait of Hormuz is likely to be a summer event rather than a second quarter event. The ongoing two-month conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran has resulted in a stalemate. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reportedly characterized the American naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a potential error. Chief Energy Advisor at Gulf Oil Tom Closa stated that approximately 500 million barrels of supply have been lost to balance demand. He noted that with no oil tankers essentially traversing the Strait of Hormuz, gasoline stations could run out of fuel at some point. Closa expects prices to remain above $4 for a while.

Israeli intelligence agencies Mossad and Shin Bet claim a precision intelligence-led strike targeted Mohsen Souri in Tehran. Souri was identified as a key official responsible for managing local networks outside of Iran. The strike reportedly occurred around midday.

Speculation regarding the health of former Iranian religious leader Ali Khamenei has increased following unconfirmed reports of his death. The uncertainty follows the placement of Khamenei's photograph on a martyr wall in Iran, a location previously used for deceased religious leaders. The source noted that rumors of his death have resurfaced in light of these developments. While some claim he has died, others report he remains under medical treatment. International media outlets report that Ali Khamenei was seriously injured during an attack on February 28. The reports state that while he remains mentally alert and continues to participate in decision-making processes, he has sustained facial tissue damage. Speculation persists regarding the health of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has reduced the time required to increase uranium enrichment to 90% to just weeks, according to NTV Radyo. Iran indicated it would only discuss its nuclear program at a later stage of negotiations. The proposal includes accelerating Indonesian infrastructure improvements and ending certain hostilities. Trump reportedly opposes delaying nuclear discussions until later in the process. The proposal reportedly suggests delaying discussions on Iran's nuclear program until the war in the Middle East is over. Donald Trump did not accept the latest proposal from Iran regarding the opening of the Armuzsky corridor. The US Secretary of State said in a Fox News interview that any future understanding with Iran must prevent the country from obtaining weapons.

US Secretary of State Mark Rubio stated to Fox News that Iran is serious about exiting what he described as a deadlock. The announcement comes as the Israeli military reportedly keeps the Hormuz Strait open. Rubio noted that Tehran still maintains half of its missile capabilities. This development follows reports of suspended nuclear-related negotiations from the Israeli side. This approach is viewed as a way to avoid long-term military force and address Iran's economic needs. The source noted that reaching a comprehensive agreement with the US is the most effective way to impact the Iranian economy quickly.

The Iranian Ministry of Health has recorded more than 30,000 injuries. Analysts suggest the Guard is prioritizing its own stability over international security concerns. The group aims to maintain the current status quo to avoid the responsibilities of governance. This approach is noted as being poorly understood by Donald Trump. Mohammed Sedki noted that while the leadership may not seek to use force, they are unlikely to retreat from their positions. This strategy aims to manage a situation that the presidency cannot easily resolve. Analysts suggest the leadership's current approach may not align with US expectations for a swift resolution. A prolonged conflict could lead to losses for the US economy and the global energy sector. The current situation has lasted two months without achieving the rapid objectives previously suggested.

Zia del Hany has been arrested under the telecommunications law, according to reports. The arrest involves allegations related to a bank previously chaired and owned by del Hany and his brother. The source indicated that the next 30 days may bring further developments regarding the case.

Iran is monitoring the situation for a potential counter-response following recent developments. This economic pressure comes amid internal political divisions in Iran between hardliners and those potentially open to concessions due to difficult economic conditions. The source noted that inflation has exceeded 50% and the dollar has reached 160,000 units. Iranian leadership is aware of the risk of new protests occurring within a few months, according to reports. No specific scale or location for the anticipated protests was provided. An analyst noted that pragmatists in Iran recognize an educated middle class is weary of costly foreign military interventions. The commentator suggested that a major deal with Iran depends on avoiding the sabotage of such goals. Iranians believe that a ceasefire does not mean that military actions will cease.