Stories from Tehran · Iran

The Iranian judiciary has confiscated the properties of 63 prominent individuals living in the diaspora. These individuals are reportedly targeted due to their criticism of the Iranian regime.

An online campaign titled 'Sacrifice Your Life for Iran' has reportedly recruited 30,000 volunteers. The campaign is described as an effort to encourage individuals to volunteer for Iran. The source noted the scale of the online mobilization.

Major industrial facilities producing steel, oil, and petrochemicals have ceased operations. The shutdown has led to unemployment across the country. Economic conditions are described as being in a very dark period compared to previous administrations.

Diplomatic sources reveal that Iran is preparing a new draft agreement to be sent shortly to Pakistani mediators. The report was discussed by military affairs analyst Mohammad Asmadi. This follows previous claims that 90% of certain assets were destroyed. Iran is losing leverage in negotiations due to the loss of missile and port infrastructure, according to reports. The loss of these assets is described as having occurred recently. The source noted the figure was discussed in relation to recent strategic assessments. Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akrami stated on April 28 that ground forces are deployed nationwide and combat equipment readiness is complete. Foreign Minister Araghchi met with Russian President Putin on April 28. Several Middle Eastern states are expressing skepticism regarding a new Iranian proposal to open strategic straits.

The Iranian government has ordered governors in border provinces to strengthen import and export operations at land crossings. Iran maintains approximately 6,000 kilometers of land borders. There are roughly 20 active land border crossings with Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to the report. The move is reportedly intended to avoid certain regional impacts. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council convened a meeting presided over by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The meeting followed intelligence reports warning of potential anti-regime protests in the coming days. Officials cited economic difficulties including rising prices, unemployment, and damage to the petrochemical and steel sectors as contributing factors. Security agencies have presented a critical assessment of the Iranian economy, highlighting widespread job losses due to industrial closures.

Kurdish rights groups reported that political prisoner Mihrab Abdollahzadeh was transferred to Evin Prison following a physical altercation with a prison official. The transfer was reportedly ordered by Peyman Khanzad. Abdollahzadeh was arrested in 1421 (Solar Hijri calendar).

The US Navy stated it does not have a plan it believes will be successful in opening the Strait of Hormuz by force. This would cause a reduction in Middle East oil production and a major oil deficit in the Asia-Pacific region. The projected impact on oil prices is estimated to last five weeks as tankers from the Persian Gulf redirect to East and Southeast Asian buyers. The potential blockade could involve the seizure or detention of ships belonging to the United States, its allies, or other nations. Escalation may lead to the opening of new fronts if the United States attempts to open the Strait of Hormuz, potentially resulting in a closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the security of the Strait of Hormuz as an urgent economic and humanitarian necessity rather than a technical maritime issue.

Opposition groups have accused members of the Tehran Council of using public funds to finance election campaigns and distribute gifts to associates. The allegations have reached the judiciary, though the case reportedly disappeared.

Iran is reportedly storing quantities of unsold crude oil in abandoned storage tanks to avoid a total production halt. The disagreement concerns both the specific terms of a potential agreement and the methods of negotiation. Pakistani mediators expect a new proposal from Tehran in the coming days. This follows the rejection of a previous version by Donald Trump, whose advisors remain skeptical of Iranian observations regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian responses to recent attacks may target more Iranian objectives, but the situation will not force Iran to seek peace. No specific timeline for these actions was provided. The report notes that Iran is engaging in maritime negotiations to reach an agreement with Washington. These efforts follow US sanctions that restrict Iranian oil access to international ports.

The Iranian cabinet approved a measure on March 29, 1405 (Persian calendar), to allow households to purchase essential goods on credit. The decision was reported by Fars News Agency regarding the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. The measure aims to assist households through credit-based access to essential items. If payments are not made, the amount will be deducted from existing subsidies and transferred to the relevant companies. The subsidy organization has updated the information regarding eligible households. Economic conditions are forcing citizens to rely on credit purchases for goods, even as the country faces the consequences of war and sanctions. The source noted that if people were buying on credit before the war, they must continue to do so now.