On Friday, March 20, coinciding with Nowruz (the Persian New Year) in Iran, and on the twenty-first day of the war, political, military, and security developments continued at a rapid pace. A combination of international positions, military attacks, and domestic consequences presented a complex picture of the ongoing situation.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated in a sharp tone that no effective leadership remains in Iran with whom negotiations would be possible. These remarks were made as U.S. and Israeli attacks on targets linked to the Iranian regime continued, indicating a diminishing prospect for a diplomatic solution under current conditions.
At the same time, Mai Sato, a United Nations human rights expert, emphasized that the human rights crisis in Iran is deeply rooted and not limited to the recent war. According to her, this crisis will persist even after the conflict ends, further intensifying international concerns about Iran’s internal situation.
Mai Sato: The Human Rights Crisis in Iran Is Not Limited to the War
Reports indicate that several officials and commanders associated with the Iranian regime’s military structure have been killed. Among them, the deaths of Esmail Ahmadi, a Basij commander (a paramilitary force under the IRGC), and Gholamreza Soleimani have been confirmed. In addition, the death of Ali-Mohammad Naeini, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has also been announced.
At the same time, the scope of the conflict has expanded to a regional level. Drone and missile attacks on Persian Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, have been reported, and these countries are working to counter these threats. In this context, attacks on Fujairah port in the UAE and the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait caused fires and disruptions in energy operations. Qatar also reported several billion dollars in damage to the Ras Laffan gas facilities, one of the world’s most important centers for liquefied natural gas production.
Efforts to control the economic consequences of the war are also ongoing. A report published by The Wall Street Journal, a major U.S. newspaper, indicates that the United States and its allies have intensified operations to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. This move aims to prevent disruptions in global energy flows and to secure one of the most vital oil transit routes in the world.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of four websites linked to the Iranian regime’s intelligence entities. This action was taken as part of efforts to counter cyberattacks and threatening activities against opponents. There are also reports of arrests of individuals connected to networks affiliated with the Iranian regime in several Persian Gulf countries, reflecting growing concerns about the cross-border activities of these networks.
Inside Iran, the situation—especially in terms of communications and social conditions—is critical. A report by NetBlocks, an organization that monitors internet access worldwide, shows that the widespread internet shutdown has entered its twenty-first day, placing the country in a state of “digital darkness.” This situation, coinciding with the Iranian New Year, has heightened concerns. Additionally, multiple reports indicate a rising wave of arrests across various cities. Observers say these measures are being taken in response to fears of expanding public protests and the potential emergence of new uprisings.
The state security apparatus of the United Arab Emirates announced the identification and dismantling of an organized network which, according to officials, was involved in money laundering and terrorism financing and had ties to Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Iranian regime. According to the UAE’s official news agency, members of this network—who operated under the cover of commercial companies—have been arrested. UAE security officials emphasized that the group, with foreign direction and support, had attempted to infiltrate the country’s economic structure and target financial stability. Such actions, they stated, constitute a direct threat to national security and will be met with a decisive response.
Meanwhile, another report on developments along the Iran–Turkey border indicates that the Iranian regime has imposed restrictions on citizens leaving for Turkey. According to Turkish officials, since the beginning of the conflict, the number of Iranians entering Turkey has significantly decreased to about one-quarter to one-third of previous levels. Turkey’s Interior Minister stated that while Turkish citizens can enter Iran without obstacles, Iranians face restrictions when attempting to leave.
In another development, continuing military attacks inside Iran have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 13 Basij forces during an attack on a checkpoint in the Qaramalek area of Tabriz. According to regime sources, the attack—caused by the impact of a projectile—also injured 18 individuals. In a separate attack at the entrance of Malekan County (in East Azerbaijan Province), one military personnel and one civilian were killed, and three others were wounded.
