Iran’s Youth Are Selling Their Kidneys as the Economy Continues to PlungeThe report states that the number of dismissed individuals has reached about 7,000. Such a figure shows the depth of the crisis in an industry that had already been struggling with numerous problems. Now, with the intensifying effects of the foreign war, this industry has become one of the first victims. Many of these laid-off workers now face conditions with no financial support or job security.
Mass Worker Layoffs in Iran’s Industries Under the Shadow of War
As tensions escalate and the heavy shadow of foreign war falls over Iran’s economy, signs of collapse in the country’s key industries have become more visible. Reports of mass layoffs at one of the country’s largest automotive holding companies reveal new dimensions of the consequences of foreign war. This is happening while workers, as the most vulnerable social group, are bearing the greatest pressure from the consequences of the foreign war.
According to Farshad Esmaeili, a legal expert and labor law adviser, one of the country’s major automotive mega-holdings began large-scale layoffs of its workforce in mid-March. This move has taken place in the heart of the crisis caused by the foreign war, and according to him, about 70% of the company’s employees have been dismissed. These layoffs span a wide range of staff, from production-line workers to specialists and even middle managers.
Tunnel Entrances at Isfahan Nuclear Site Blocked, According to The Telegraph
The Telegraph reported in a new article, citing satellite imagery, that the Iranian regime has moved to block three tunnel entrances at the Isfahan nuclear complex. According to the report, these entrances have been sealed using a combination of compacted earth berms, protective barriers, and piles of debris—an action that appears aimed at increasing the security level and reducing the vulnerability of the facility.
The “Institute for Science and International Security” also reviewed the same images and confirmed that construction of these barriers likely began on March 18 or shortly thereafter. The institute, which specializes in monitoring developments related to nuclear programs, emphasized that the speed of these measures indicates growing security concerns surrounding the site.
21-Hour Negotiations Between United States and Iranian Regime End with No ResultsAccording to military analysts, such measures are usually assessed within the framework of passive defense strategies. Blocking tunnel entrances can make direct penetration into underground sections more difficult and increase the time required for any offensive operation. These barriers can also place attacking forces in a more vulnerable position, especially when defensive and missile systems are active. Another part of the Telegraph report states that the Isfahan site is likely one of the key centers for storing highly enriched nuclear material. Estimates indicate that at least half of Iran’s approximately 400-kilogram stockpile of highly enriched uranium is kept at this complex—materials that, if enriched to higher levels, could play a role in the nuclear weapons production cycle. These developments come as Iran’s nuclear program remains at the center of attention for international bodies and global powers, and any change in its infrastructure is being followed with high sensitivity.
21-Hour Negotiations Between United States and Iranian Regime End with No Results
According to Reuters, after 21 hours of intensive talks between representatives of the United States and the Iranian regime in Pakistan, the negotiations ended without reaching an agreement, and the American delegation left the country. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said in a brief press conference Sunday morning Islamabad time that the talks had been detailed and substantive but ultimately failed to produce a result.
He emphasized that this lack of agreement would have more negative consequences for Iran than for the United States. Referring to Washington’s position, Vance said that “our red lines were completely clear; we made clear where we have flexibility and where we do not.” According to Vance, the Iranian regime refused to accept the terms proposed by the United States, while the American side had entered the negotiations in good faith. He also added that the best and final U.S. offer remains on the table, and it now depends on Iran’s decision whether to accept it.
Iran in A Bottleneck Over Restoring Infrastructure After CeasefireRaising the key question of whether Iran is committed in the long term to not developing nuclear weapons, Vance said that “we have not yet seen such a commitment, but we hope to witness it in the future.” On the other side, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the foreign ministry of the Iranian regime, announced that the two sides had reached understandings on some issues, but disagreements over two or three major issues prevented a final agreement. He added that contacts and consultations would continue through Pakistan. Oil movements coinciding with the negotiations: at the same time as the start of these talks, data from tanker-tracking companies reported the passage of three large oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the first such case since the ceasefire between the two sides was established. According to these reports, each of these tankers was carrying about 2 million barrels of oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and flying Liberian and Chinese flags, they entered the waters of the Gulf of Oman after passing the Hormuz transit anchorage route and circling Larak Island. The destination of these shipments was reported to be Malaysia. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that two empty tankers that had intended to enter the Persian Gulf changed course after news of the failed negotiations and returned to the Gulf of Oman.
A Fresh Wave of Arrests and Judicial Repression in Iran
As the widespread repression of citizens continues across different parts of Iran, the intelligence and law enforcement bodies of Iran’s regime have announced the arrest of dozens more citizens; allegations once again raised with accusations such as ties to enemies and espionage.
The IRGC Intelligence Organization announced that 123 people have been arrested in the provinces of Hamedan, Semnan, and Gilan on charges of links to anti-government networks, Israel, and foreign-based media outlets.
According to this claim, 18 people were arrested in Hamedan as part of several networks that were allegedly involved in collecting and transmitting information from sensitive sites and planning sabotage operations, and weapons and ammunition were also reportedly discovered from them.
Repression and Human Rights Violations in Iran – February 2026In Semnan, two people were also arrested on charges of links to Israel’s intelligence service, and according to this institution’s claim, they had been in contact with intelligence officers and transmitting information during the 12-day war. In Gilan, 102 people were also arrested, whom the IRGC claims intended to create insecurity and carry out sabotage acts, and IRGC Intelligence says it detained them before any action took place. It is also claimed that four of these individuals, in addition to sending information, were providing online instruction on violent acts. The report also claims that about 100 other newly recruited individuals linked to opposition groups have been subjected to what are described as “guidance measures.” At the same time, the Law Enforcement Command of Iran’s regime also announced the identification of another network and the arrest of 50 people; individuals who, according to police claims, were facilitating targeting and attacks by sending the locations of sensitive sites including infrastructure facilities, inspection checkpoints, and troop deployment positions. Police also stated that communication equipment, satellite devices, weapons, and ammunition were discovered and confiscated during these operations. The Office of the Prosecutor General in East Azerbaijan province has also reported the filing of 10 cases on charges of espionage for the benefit of the United States and Israel during the recent events. As this security atmosphere continues, the Social Affairs and Crime Prevention Department of Tehran Province’s Judiciary also warned that any direct or indirect cooperation with countries described by this body as hostile could be met with severe punishments.
Details of the Execution of six PMOI Members
Following the execution of six prisoners affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) by Iranian regime security agents at Ghezel Hesar Prison, new information has emerged about the circumstances and method of the executions.
At around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night, March 29, more than 20 guards from Ghezel Hesar Prison stormed the political prisoners’ hall in Unit 4 to transfer and execute six members of the PMOI. The agents were led by a man named Hassan Ghobadi.
At that hour, all prisoners were in their cells, and at first no one realized the agents had arrived because this is not normally the time when prison guards enter the units and halls.
Two agents stood beside each cell and moments later entered and told the prisoners, “Come out of your rooms without touching anything. It’s an inspection.”
The purpose of this was to deceive the prisoners so they would leave their cells and then the hall without resistance.
To reassure the prisoners, Hassan Ghobadi twice shouted loudly that there was no problem and it was only an inspection. The prisoners came out of their cells and gathered in the corridor.
The agents began asking the prisoners’ names, and it became clear that they intended to take six prisoners for execution.
When they tried to handcuff Vahid Bani Amerian’s hands behind his back, he resisted. As a result, several agents attacked him and repeatedly struck his head and face, leaving him bloodied.
Long-standing political prisoner Saeed Masouri, who had not yet come into the corridor, shouted: “Kill all of us—death to Khamenei.”
Qasem Sahraei (the prison duty officer) asked Ali Younesi, “What’s your name?” Ali said, “Ali.” Sahraei then asked for his surname, and when Ali gave it, he punched him hard in the face, causing it to swell immediately.
After that, 21 prisoners were handcuffed and taken to Ward 8, from where they were to be transferred to solitary confinement.
There, the six condemned prisoners were separated from the rest.
One by one, the handcuffed prisoners kissed these six men, said goodbye, and emphasized continuing their path.
Even the agents were astonished by the morale of these six, because as they were being taken to execution, there was no sign of fear or terror in any of them.
One of the prisoners could not contain himself and, overwhelmed with emotion, began to cry and kissed the faces of all six.
When Vahid Bani Amerian, Mohammad Taghavi, and Akbar Daneshvar saw him crying, they rebuked him, telling him not to cry and not to let the enemy see his tears.
With his usual smile, Vahid said, “Why are you crying? We are going to Behrouz (Ehsani) and Mehdi (Hassani).” (These two were PMOI members who had been executed in the same prison last August.)
Iran: Behrouz Ehsani Said; I Have Never Bargained Over My Life with AnyoneMohammad Taghavi stood calmly and with dignity. When they were moved, Pouya Ghobadi, while his hands were handcuffed, raised them in a gesture of farewell. After taking away those six, the rest of the prisoners were also transferred to solitary confinement on the accusation that they had caused too much commotion and noise. PMOI members Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, like many others, were also sent to the gallows by these same executioners. Allah-Karam has repeatedly been present at and participated in execution scenes.
International Conference Condemns Rise in Iran Executions, Voices Support for NCRI
An international conference was held near Paris on April 10 to protest the recent rise in executions in Iran. The event brought together European political and legal figures, former political prisoners, and members of the Iranian diaspora.
Titled “A Call for Immediate Action to Halt the Executions of PMOI and Dissident Political Prisoners,” the gathering focused on the execution of six members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and seven young protesters. Speakers presented the cases as part of a broader pattern of repression against political dissent.
Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI’s President-elect, opened the conference by describing the executions as evidence that the Iranian authorities continue to regard organized domestic opposition as their principal adversary. She pointed to the spread of “Resistance Units” across provinces, from Tehran to Zahedan, as a sign of growing opposition networks inside the country. Rajavi said Iran’s future depends on internal organization rather than foreign military action or diplomatic bargaining. She also called for the issue of executions to be included in any future international engagement with Tehran. The legal focus of the conference was reinforced by Prof. Dr. Herta Däubler-Gmelin, former German Minister of Justice. She said the executions require an international legal and moral response and described political prisoners and street protesters as the “voice of a society that refuses to be silenced.” She warned that silence from the international community risks becoming complicity. Däubler-Gmelin also referred to the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as a framework for democratic governance based on the rule of law. Several speakers contrasted the NCRI’s platform with both the current political system and monarchist alternatives. Former UK House of Commons Speaker John Bercow said “the idea of freedom cannot be executed,” arguing that the persistence of opposition activists would outlast the machinery of repression. Bercow also dismissed the political relevance of Reza Pahlavi, presenting monarchist narratives as disconnected from developments inside Iran. Former German Federal Minister Franz Josef Jung similarly endorsed the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan, highlighting its emphasis on free elections, press freedom, and political pluralism. French participants widened the discussion to international policy. Jean-François Legaret, former mayor of Paris’s 1st district, cautioned against assumptions that diplomatic shifts or foreign strikes alone could bring change in Iran. He argued instead that domestic uprising remains central. Jean-Pierre Béquet, former mayor of Auvers-sur-Oise, made a similar point. He said the Iranian people are often overlooked in geopolitical calculations and stressed that democratic change must come through their continued struggle rather than external force. Former prisoners gave the conference some of its most personal testimony. Nasrollah Marandi, a survivor of the 1988 prison “death corridors,” linked the recently executed PMOI members to earlier generations of prisoners who resisted under both the Shah and the Islamic Republic. Reza Shemirani, who said he spent more than 4,000 days in prison, described Evin and Gohardasht as symbols of continuity in Iran’s repressive institutions. Both speakers portrayed today’s Resistance Units as heirs to that earlier legacy of prison resistance. Representatives of the Iranian diaspora added an external perspective. Minoosh Mashhadi, speaking from the Netherlands, described the state’s confrontation with its own people as a four-decade conflict and called for the closure of Iranian embassies in Europe, alleging they are used to monitor exiles. Mohsen Kasechi focused on the participation of younger generations, saying the involvement of Gen Z and millennials in Resistance Units shows the movement’s message continues to resonate despite the risks. Overall, the conference delivered a consistent message: condemnation of the recent executions, emphasis on organized internal resistance, and repeated endorsement of the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as a democratic alternative. Through legal arguments, political speeches, and firsthand testimony, the gathering sought to place Iran’s executions at the center of international attention.Commemoration of Executed PMOI Members and Protesters
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) April 10, 2026
The price paid for freedom and lasting peace in Iran and the Middle East
Members of the PMOI—Mohammad Taghavi, Akbar Daneshvarkar, Babak Alipour, Pouya Ghobadi, Abolhassan Montazar, and Vahid Bani Amerian—who at the time of… pic.twitter.com/6VbpnMtXz7
Amnesty International: Internet Access Is a Fundamental Human Right and Must Be Restored Immediately
As Iran continues to experience one of its longest internet disruptions, Amnesty International on Friday, April 10, pointed to the regime’s repeated history of restricting internet access in the country and called for an immediate end to the situation.
In a statement, the organization said that as the internet shutdown approaches nearly 1,000 hours, officials of Iran’s regime must “immediately restore internet access.” The message emphasized that Iranian citizens have been living in digital darkness during this period and reminded that internet access is a fundamental human right and critically important in times of crisis.People in Iran have lived under digital darkness for 1000 hours. Authorities have cut off 90+ million from the outside world since 28 February, preventing people from accessing essential information and contacting loved ones. Authorities must immediately restore internet access. pic.twitter.com/iP5Z68NOFu
— Amnesty Iran (@AmnestyIran) April 10, 2026
With the Launch of “Pro” SIM Card Sales, Tiered Internet Access Becomes Official in IranAccording to data published by NetBlocks, the internet disruption in Iran has entered its 42nd day and has exceeded 984 hours; a figure that places this event among the longest internet shutdowns in the world and once again highlights Iran’s position among countries with severe internet restrictions.
Widespread internet shutdowns in Iran have repeatedly occurred in the past and are recognized as one of the regime’s control tools in dealing with crises and protests. The previous record for such restrictions dates back to January 2026, during which access to the free internet was completely blocked for 21 days. Amnesty International also warned that cutting people off from the outside world, in addition to blocking the free flow of information, can expose citizens’ safety and lives to serious threats. The continuation of this situation comes as reports indicate widespread damage to online businesses and the digital economy. At the same time, many citizens have been forced to use circumvention tools to access the internet—an action that, in addition to economic costs, also carries significant security risks.1000 hours. pic.twitter.com/9nr87aSycJ
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) April 10, 2026
French Lawmakers in “La Tribune”: Change is in the Hands of the Iranian People, and the Resistance’s Plan is the Alternative to the “Velayat-e-Faqih” Regime
In a comprehensive and analytical op-ed published by the French newspaper “La Tribune Dimanche“, French parliamentarians Philippe Gosselin, Christine Arrighi, and André Chassaigne outlined a strategic vision for the future of Iran on behalf of nine current and former lawmakers from the Parliamentary Committee for a Democratic Iran (CPID). The authors asserted that ending the dictatorship of the “Velayat-e-Faqih” will not be achieved through foreign wars or interventions, but by supporting the organized democratic opposition. They issued a stark warning against attempts to impose artificial coalitions from abroad, strongly criticizing the exclusionary stances of the pro-Shah faction, which they argued threaten to tear Iran’s social fabric apart.
La machine à exécuter du régime iranien tourne sans relâche #FreeIran2026 #FreeIran10PointPlan #NCRIAlternative #IranWarhttps://t.co/1HEaPJddHC
— Iran Focus (@Iran_Focus) April 9, 2026
The Failure of Appeasement and Foreign Wars
The French parliamentarians noted that the Iranian people—led by courageous citizens facing down a theocracy, resilient women challenging institutionalized misogyny, and resistance fighters enduring domestic repression and foreign bombs—have been defying one of the most obscurantist regimes of our time for nearly five decades. The lawmakers stressed that neither the policy of “appeasement” succeeded in changing the sectarian nature of the ruling clerics, nor have recent wars and bombings brought about radical transformation. Even in its weakened state, the regime continues its reckless flight forward. Therefore, the authors concluded that the solution rests entirely in the hands of the Iranian people in all their diversity. They emphasized that dialogue must be held with the true representatives of the people, not with the dictatorial regime.The Ten-Point Plan: National Consensus vs. Pro-Shah Exclusion
The op-ed delved into the political dynamics of the opposition, affirming that the “Ten-Point Plan” proposed by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) is increasingly uniting Iran’s pluralistic political forces. A crucial element of this plan is its recognition of autonomy for Iranian Kurdistan, as well as for other components of Iran such as the Baluchis and Arabs, serving as a powerful catalyst for “national reconciliation.” In sharp contrast, the lawmakers explicitly criticized the pro-Shah faction, pointing out that by labeling ethnic components aspiring to political and cultural autonomy as “separatists,” this faction is paving a direct path to future civil conflicts. The parliamentarians also praised other core tenets of the NCRI’s program, which include the separation of religion and state, gender equality, and the abolition of the death penalty. They highlighted that the transitional period envisioned by the NCRI is limited to no more than six months, further reinforcing the democratic credibility of the plan.The Price of Blood and Systematic Executions
The article pointed out that the “Velayat-e-Faqih” regime fully grasps the danger posed by this democratic coalition, which is why it constantly subjects it to demonization and defamation campaigns—some of which occasionally echo in France. Alongside media smears, the regime continues its physical elimination tactics; over the past four decades, it has executed tens of thousands of members and sympathizers of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The lawmakers drew attention to the most recent atrocities, citing the executions of four PMOI activists—Babak Alipour, Pouya Ghobadi, Mohammad Taghavi, and Akbar Daneshvarkar—who were hanged in Tehran in the final days of March 2026. They added that, by the Iranian judiciary’s own admission, many other PMOI activists are currently on death row.A Call for an Inclusive Democratic Front
Concluding their op-ed, and against the backdrop of the dramatic tragedies the Iranian people are enduring—marked by thousands of deaths, tens of thousands of arrests, and an overwhelming war—the nine signatory parliamentarians called for the unity of all democratic components of the Iranian opposition. They urged the formation of an inclusive framework dedicated to establishing a secular, democratic republic in Iran. They firmly rejected any positions that serve the interests of an authoritarian regime, declaring that the Iranian people alone aspire to freedom, democracy, and sovereignty, and no one has the right to falsely claim to speak on their behalf.Iran in A Bottleneck Over Restoring Infrastructure After Ceasefire
A few weeks after heavy U.S. and Israeli attacks, and under the shadow of a fragile ceasefire, Iran is facing a level of destruction incomparable to any past experience. Unlike the Iran-Iraq war, when damage was largely confined to border regions, this time the country’s main economic, energy, and technology centers have been targeted; what some experts describe as “the neutralization of vital infrastructure.”
Although preliminary figures indicate the destruction or severe damage of more than 93,000 residential and commercial units, the main damage has occurred in key base industries; a sector whose reconstruction is not compatible with the country’s current resources.
Mahshahr; a blow to the country’s foreign currency lifeline
The greatest concern centers on the Mahshahr petrochemical region, where Bandar Imam and seven other major complexes accounted for 60% of the capacity of this strategic hub. During the years that the regime was under sanction, Mahshahr was one of the most important sources of immediate liquidity for importing essential goods.U.S.–Iranian Regime Talks in UncertaintyIf these complexes are completely taken offline, Iran’s petrochemical exports will fall from 13 billion dollars to less than 6 billion dollars; meaning the loss of half of its foreign currency resources. The physical reconstruction of these eight complexes alone will cost about 20 billion dollars. At the same time, damage to the Fajr one and two power plants, which supply electricity to the petrochemical industries, carries at least 1 billion dollars in restoration costs. Without this infrastructure, even undamaged units are effectively shut down. The main difficulty is replacing control equipment and precision instruments, access to which has become extremely limited under sanctions.
Asaluyeh; paralysis through the destruction of support facilities
In Asaluyeh, the focus of the attacks was not on the main structures, but rather on auxiliary facilities such as electricity, water, and oxygen. Nevertheless, these same damages have effectively paralyzed the petrochemical units because of the interconnected production chain. In the upstream sector, there is also major uncertainty regarding phases 3 to 14 of South Pars; facilities that process 100 million cubic meters of gas per day. If completely destroyed, their restoration will require at least 5 billion dollars.Logistics collapse; the main obstacle to reconstruction
One of the most serious post-ceasefire crises is the collapse of the country’s transit network. Attacks on strategic bridges, rail lines, and transportation infrastructure have disrupted the goods movement network; this in conditions where the sector was already in poor shape before the war due to deterioration and sanctions. The sharp rise in transportation costs is now also creating problems for the reconstruction of other sectors. Even if heavy power plant parts and raw materials are secured, the absence of safe and functional routes causes them to be stranded in customs and delays reconstruction.Steel and refining; added pressure on the economy
The damage to Mobarakeh Steel and Khuzestan Steel, which together hold 70% of Iran’s steel capacity, is another major challenge. Iran previously exported 11 million tons of steel annually worth 6 billion dollars, but now, with the vast needs of reconstruction projects, it not only loses this income but is also forced to spend 8 to 10 billion dollars annually on steel imports. Alongside this sector, the Lavan refinery has also been damaged and requires at least 700 million dollars in funding for restoration.Technological reconstruction; a multi-year path
The damage is not only physical. Rebuilding research-and-development-based institutions and complex industries will be a time-consuming process. Restoring management sections may be completed within a few months, but reviving the supply chain, manufacturing, testing, and operational deployment will require between one and five years. For this reason, returning to pre-war production quality and capacity will be a project of at least five years.Post-ceasefire economy; a battle for survival
With declining foreign currency revenues, a logistics crisis, and the destruction of industrial hubs, infrastructure reconstruction in Iran has now turned into a battle for survival. Estimates show that the full restoration of damages inflicted on Mahshahr, Asaluyeh, Isfahan, and Ahvaz will require more than 100 billion dollars over a five-year period; this while blocked trade and banking routes have severely weakened the country’s foreign exchange reserves. In such a situation, without the normalization of international relations and access to global markets, Iran may remain in an emergency repair phase for decades, striving only to return to its pre-war position.U.S.–Iranian Regime Talks in Uncertainty
On the second day of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran’s regime, with continued transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel, stock markets in Asia scaled back their optimism about the ceasefire and turned downward.
In the early hours of trading, the overall Asian market index fell by about 0.7%, with Japan’s stock exchange remaining unchanged, while China recorded a 0.6% decline and South Korea a 0.4% drop.
In India as well, markets turned negative after initial optimism, and some indices experienced declines of up to one percent. This drop came despite the fact that just a day earlier, in response to the two-week ceasefire, India’s stock index had risen 4%; however, growing concerns over Middle East tensions and doubts about the durability of the ceasefire reversed the market trend.
The concerns were not limited to East Asian markets, and in West Asia Saudi Arabia’s stock index also fell by 0.2%,
The Israeli military announced that Ali Youssef Harshi, the nephew and secretary of Naim Qassem, the secretary-general of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, was killed in the army’s strike on the Beirut area.
An Israeli military spokesperson said on Thursday that the strike had taken place on Wednesday and that he had played a key role in managing Qassem’s office and protecting him.
On Wednesday, Israel carried out extensive strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, and according to the Israeli military, overnight it targeted two main crossings that Hezbollah used to move from north to south of the Litani area in Lebanon and transport thousands of weapons, rockets, and launchers.
Hezbollah began another round of clashes with Israel by attacking it on March 2 in support of Iran’s regime. Israel said it would respond forcefully, and since then it has carried out airstrikes that have killed more than 1,000 people.
Israel had already weakened Hezbollah’s military capabilities through strikes on its positions since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023.
