Strait Of Hormuz Declared Open Again; Trump: Naval Blockade Against Iran’s Regime Will ContinueBloomberg wrote that if this trend continues, the Iranian regime may be forced by mid-May to cut its oil production by an additional 1.5 million barrels per day, even though, according to Goldman Sachs, it has already reduced its daily crude oil production by up to 2.5 million barrels per day. However, the financial pressure of this crisis will not appear immediately. Kpler notes that oil shipments from the Iranian regime typically take about two months to reach Chinese ports, and buyers then have several additional months to settle payments. Therefore, despite the heavy strain on oil infrastructure, the full impact of this crisis on the regime’s revenues will likely become evident in three to four months.
Iran’s Regime Nearing Oil Export Deadlock
Bloomberg, citing the analytics firm Kpler, reported that the Iranian regime is facing a growing oil storage crisis, with remaining spare capacity to store crude oil expected to last only about 12 to 22 more days.
According to the report, a naval blockade by the United States against ports controlled by the Iranian regime has sharply reduced oil exports, and the loading of crude oil from these ports has dropped by about 70%.
Kpler states that crude oil exports by the Iranian regime have fallen from an average of about 1.85 million barrels per day in March to around 567,000 barrels per day. At the same time, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped, and the firm reported that it has not observed any tanker successfully bypassing the United States naval blockade around the area.
Iran’s ‘No To Execution Tuesdays’ Campaign Marks 118th Week
On Tuesday, April 28, the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign entered its 118th week. Prisoners participating in the campaign issued a statement condemning the wave of executions of political prisoners at the beginning of the year and also referring to the harassment and humiliation of political prisoners by security agents. They emphasized: “It is very important and necessary that in these turbulent and decisive days, freedom-loving people of Iran and all activists and advocates of ‘No to Execution’ do not remain silent in the face of the regime’s repression and instead be the voice of prisoners and those sentenced to death.”
The full text of the campaign’s statement follows:
Continuation of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign in 56 different prisons in its 118th week
In its 118th week, the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign expresses sympathy with the families of prisoners executed recently and pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the path of freedom and equality.Iranian Political Prisoner Naser Bakrzadeh’s at Risk of ExecutionOver the past week, three political prisoners from January 2026 uprising—Amir Ali Mirjafari from Tehran, Erfan Kiani from Isfahan, and Amer Ramesh from Sistan and Baluchestan province—were executed following an unfair judicial process, and the bodies of two of them were not returned to their families. Undoubtedly, the policy of enforced disappearance pursued by the Iranian regime constitutes a crime against humanity. The “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign has recently learned that in various prisons, political prisoners and recent detainees are being openly subjected to beatings, torture, and humiliation. Torturers attempt to degrade prisoners by shaving their heads, using verbal abuse, and insulting them. This shameless and inhumane behavior becomes even worse when prisoners are taken to the gallows. We are aware that orders from senior officials of the ruling religious dictatorship, based on a wartime posture, have given the judiciary greater freedom to violate the rights of detainees from the January protests and the recent conflict. This means ignoring all their legal rights and issuing heavy sentences without fair and just trials. The illegitimate rule of the Iranian regime, out of fear of uprisings and public protests, has shown—through its control of city streets, creation of fear in society, and daily executions in prisons—that it considers the people, not any foreign country, as its main enemy. Therefore, it is very important and necessary that in these turbulent and decisive days, freedom-loving people of Iran and all activists and advocates of “No to Execution” do not remain silent in the face of repression and instead be the voice of prisoners and those sentenced to death. Amid internet shutdowns in Iran, the international community and human rights organizations must pay even greater attention to this issue (repression and executions), exert pressure on the Iranian regime by all possible means, and the United Nations fact-finding committee should take serious action to visit detention centers, prisoners, and prisons in Iran. While condemning these anti-people and authoritarian policies, participants in the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign are on hunger strike in 56 prisons across the country on Tuesday, April 28, during its 118th week.
Iranian Political Prisoner Naser Bakrzadeh’s at Risk of Execution
Following the confirmation of Naser Bakrzadeh’s death sentence by Iran’s Supreme Court, the risk of his imminent execution has significantly increased. Bakrzadeh, a political prisoner who had previously been sentenced to death twice in the same case, is now facing a death sentence for the third time. This comes amid reports from legal sources and those close to him indicating torture, forced confessions, and repeated violations of fair trial principles in his case.
Official notification of the death sentence to Naser Bakrzadeh
According to published reports, on Saturday, April 25, Naser Bakrzadeh was summoned to the sentence enforcement office of Urmia Central Prison, where the confirmation of his death sentence by the Supreme Court was officially communicated to him.A New Wave of Mass Arrests in IranThe ruling was communicated to him at a time when the implementation of death sentences in political and security-related cases across the country has intensified, raising concerns about the rapid and unannounced execution of such sentences.
Third death sentence in less than two years
In February 2026, Branch two of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Shahini, once again sentenced Naser Bakrzadeh to death on charges of spying for Israel. This marks the third death sentence issued against him in less than two years—an unusual development that in itself raises serious questions about the quality and consistency of the judicial process in his case.Two previous rulings had been overturned by the Supreme Court
Bakrzadeh’s case had previously led to two death sentences, both of which were overturned by the Supreme Court. The first time was in November 2024, when Branch three of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia sentenced him to death, but this ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court in March of the following year. The second time, in September of that same year, Branch two of the Revolutionary Court again issued a death sentence, which was also overturned by the Supreme Court in November.Iran’s Regime Executes Baluch Political Prisoner Amer RameshThe repeated overturning of rulings by the country’s highest judicial authority indicates the presence of fundamental and serious flaws in the case and its judicial proceedings. Naser Bakrzadeh was first arrested in August 2023 in Urmia by the intelligence unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was later released on bail after some time. However, he was re-arrested in January 2024 and transferred to an IRGC intelligence detention facility in Urmia, where, according to sources close to his family, he was held for an extended period under intense interrogation and strict security conditions.
Torture and forced confessions; the core of the case
Informed sources say that during his detention, Bakrzadeh was subjected to physical and psychological torture, and interrogators attempted to extract confessions from him under pressure and threats in line with a predetermined security narrative. According to those close to him, he was repeatedly threatened with harsher punishment, denial of visitation rights, and pressure on his family. According to these reports, the confessions obtained under such conditions have been used as the primary basis for issuing death sentences against him. Legal observers emphasize that the handling of Bakrzadeh’s case has significantly deviated from fair trial standards. According to informed sources, at critical stages of the case he was denied full and effective access to defense resources and was unable to make proper use of the necessary legal tools to defend himself. Moreover, the repeated issuance of death sentences after successive overturns by the Supreme Court raises the question of whether the lower courts have genuinely addressed the flaws in the case or have simply proceeded to repeat their previous decisions.A New Wave of Mass Arrests in Iran
Following the wave of repression after the nationwide protests of January 2026, the Iranian regime’s security and judicial institutions have in recent days launched a new round of widespread arrests across the country. The detention of hundreds of citizens in various provinces, issuance of disciplinary rulings against students, confiscation of critics’ property, and attribution of charges such as espionage and collaboration with the enemy to detainees indicate an intensification of the regime’s security policies to control society and prevent the emergence of any new protests.
Published reports indicate that in recent days, hundreds of citizens have been arrested in various parts of the country on security-related charges. In western Iran alone, at least 239 citizens have been detained in the provinces of Kurdistan and Kermanshah under allegations of affiliation with opposition groups.
Iranian Doctor Sentenced to Death for Helping Injured ProtestersAt the same time, the Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have reported the arrest of dozens more individuals in the provinces of Ilam, Sistan and Baluchestan, Gilan, Lorestan, West Azerbaijan, Mazandaran, Tehran, and East Azerbaijan. In most cases, broad and security-related accusations such as collaboration with the enemy, espionage, links to hostile groups, or media activities against the regime have been raised, without any independent evidence being published to support these claims.
The label of espionage; a new pretext for suppressing protesters
Observers believe that in recent months, the regime has attempted to detain a wide range of protesters, critics, and civil activists by labeling them as spies or agents of the enemy. This pattern has intensified particularly after the escalation of regional tensions and the regime’s increased use of war rhetoric; to the extent that many political and security cases are now accompanied by claims of cooperation with Mossad, links to the United States, or transferring information to the enemy. This labeling serves as a tool to legitimize internal repression and to raise the cost of protest in public opinion.Using a wartime atmosphere to deepen repression
Alongside external tensions and extensive propaganda about security threats, the regime has attempted to turn a wartime atmosphere into a cover for intensifying internal repression.A Fresh Wave of Arrests and Judicial Repression in IranWithin this framework, any form of criticism, protest, media activity, or even publishing content on social media can lead to security charges and arrest. The regime is using security conditions and a wartime atmosphere to effectively suspend citizens’ rights and expand the powers of its security institutions.
Widespread arrests; a preventive strategy to contain protests
The current wave of arrests is not merely a reaction to isolated security cases but is part of a preventive strategy to stop the formation of new protests. The mass arrest of citizens, local activists, students, social media users, and critics across various provinces indicates that the regime seeks to create an atmosphere of fear to contain any social discontent before it turns into street protests.Iran’s Housing Market Under the Rubble of War
The 40-day war involving Iran’s regime, the United States, and Israel led to a phenomenon analysts describe as “wartime freeze.” Between February 28 and mid-April, property transactions nearly dropped to zero. Field reports indicate that the average price per square meter in Tehran now fluctuates between 1.25 billion and 1.33 billion rials (approximately 800 to 850 dollars). After a 15.6% surge in January–February, prices stagnated due to the shadow of war. Sellers, facing uncertainty about the future of peace, have increased asking prices by up to 10%. However, buyers have withdrawn from the market and shifted their capital into gold. In areas such as District 1 of Tehran, record prices of 5.8 billion rials (approximately 3,718 dollars) have been reported for select properties.
The Collapse of Livelihoods in Tehran; Housing Rent Has Become a NightmareExperts believe the housing market is currently in a state of waiting for lasting political stability. The fluctuation of the dollar around 1.6 million rials has completely disrupted developers’ calculations for new projects. Year-on-year inflation in March and April reached 50.6%, a serious warning sign. This inflationary pressure has turned housing from a consumer good into a safe haven for preserving value. Without a non-aggression agreement, a short-term recovery in property transactions appears unlikely.
Rent crisis and infrastructure damage during the ceasefire
The April 8 ceasefire has not yet restored stability to the rental sector. Missile attacks in February–March damaged around 40,000 buildings in the Tehran metropolitan area. The destruction of these units severely disrupted the balance of supply and demand in the capital’s housing market. Tehran’s City Council has approved a measure to provide affected residents with housing deposits of 20 billion rials (approximately 12,820 dollars). Additionally, rental assistance for affected families has been capped at 400 million rials (approximately 257 dollars). The shortage of habitable units has led to an unprecedented surge in rents in April. Reports indicate price increases of 30% to 50% in some central districts of the capital. Tenants whose homes were damaged are now being housed in hotels or temporary camps. Increased demand for intact housing has sharply driven up deposit prices even in suburban areas. Landlords, citing a dollar rate of 1.66 million rials, are signing new contracts at high prices. According to official statistics, rental inflation in April rose by 7% compared to March. This situation has created a serious humanitarian and economic crisis for lower-income groups. The continuation of a fragile ceasefire has left tenants uncertain about renewing their annual contracts. These prices come at a time when the base monthly wage of a worker barely reaches 100 dollars per month.Construction downturn and the shift of capital to suburban areas
Housing construction costs after the recent war have reached astonishing and unprecedented levels. The price of construction materials has risen sharply due to disruptions in production and transportation. Developers aim to sell newly built units based on a dollar rate of 1.6 million rials. Meanwhile, the purchasing power of real buyers has been completely eroded by 50% inflation. In April 2026, the issuance of construction permits declined sharply due to military risks. Many investors have moved their assets from central Tehran to smaller cities. This geographic shift in capital is a direct response to insecurity caused by recent missile attacks. Housing markets in satellite cities are now experiencing higher demand compared to central and high-risk areas. The government has promised rapid reconstruction of damaged housing stock and buildings. However, banking imbalances pose a major obstacle to financing reconstruction loans in 2026. Experts warn that accumulated demand in spring could lead to a price explosion in summer. For now, the market remains in a state of waiting, with major transactions completely halted.Iran’s Nurses Reject the Regime’s ‘Pro Internet’ Plan
At a time when public access to the internet in Iran is facing widespread restrictions, the issue of “Pro Internet” has become a major topic of debate. This type of special access, designed for certain groups and institutions, has sparked various reactions. In this context, the Nursing Organization (a professional body representing nurses in Iran) has taken a different stance and rejected the use of this privilege.
According to a report published on April 26, the Nursing Organization, which has around 300,000 members, has officially opposed Pro Internet. Ahmad Nejatian, the head of the organization, stated that nurses do not consider themselves separate from the public and do not seek special privileges.
Pro Internet and the protests against it
Pro Internet has been introduced as a new model of access to the global network. Rather than focusing primarily on speed, it emphasizes connection stability and less restricted access to certain international services. Access to Pro Internet is mainly designed for groups such as businesses, technology companies, and certain professional institutions.Obtaining this service requires verification of professional identity and going through administrative procedures. Users must also pay an additional fee to use it. While this option is available to some, the general public continues to face extensive internet restrictions. This disparity in access has become one of the main points of protest against Pro Internet. In its official statement, the Nursing Organization announced that despite having access to Pro Internet, it will not use the service until general public access is restored. Ahmad Nejatian stated that the internet is an essential tool for the daily lives of all people and should be equally available to everyone. He emphasized that the decision was made after review by the organization’s board of directors. According to him, as long as other segments of society do not have access to free internet, nurses will not make special requests either. This position has been taken while internet restrictions have caused significant economic damage. Estimates indicate that internet shutdowns or disruptions have inflicted daily losses of between 30 trillion and 50 trillion rials on the economy. Additionally, part of the workforce in digital companies has faced the risk of unemployment. The Nursing Organization’s rejection of tiered internet has been presented as an example of protest against unequal access to the internet. This decision comes as communication restrictions continue, and the debate over fairness in internet access has become one of the main issues in society.⚖️ #Iran's internet blackout has now entered its 59th day after 1392 hours of near-total disconnection from the outside world.
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) April 27, 2026
The prolonged shutdown continues to cast a veil of digital darkness over human rights violations on the ground. pic.twitter.com/HN6m3FxPfV
Iranian Doctor Sentenced to Death for Helping Injured Protesters
Ameneh Soleimani, a physician, was arrested solely for saving the lives of those injured during the January 2026 uprising and is now facing a death sentence.
Dr. Ameneh Soleimani, a physician and director of a dermatology and cosmetic clinic in Ardabil, a city in northwestern Iran, was arrested in recent days by security forces for admitting and treating individuals injured during protests in the city.
Iran’s Regime Executes Baluch Political Prisoner Amer RameshThe arrest of Ameneh Soleimani is assessed as part of direct pressure on the medical community to deter them from treating protesters. According to reports from Iran, at least four physicians have so far been arrested for treating the injured, and there is no information about their condition or whereabouts. Additionally, Khosrow Minaei, a 45-year-old volunteer rescue worker, who had turned his home into a shelter for treating the injured, was arrested on January 14, 2026, during a raid by security forces. Mr. Minaei had sheltered and treated more than 20 injured individuals in his home; two of them died due to the severity of their injuries. He was severely beaten at the time of his arrest. Security agents also completely destroyed household belongings, shattered the windows of the house, and fully wrecked his personal vehicle, a Peugeot Pars. During the January protests, multiple cases of security crackdowns against physicians and medical staff were reported. Local sources have reported raids on temporary medical shelters and the arrest of doctors who, without any political activity, were solely engaged in treating the injured. The medical community and public opinion should not remain silent in the face of such news.
Iran’s Regime Executes Baluch Political Prisoner Amer Ramesh
The Iranian regime, continuing its daily extrajudicial executions, executed Baluch political prisoner Amer Ramesh in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Mizan News Agency, affiliated with the judiciary of the Iranian regime, stated that the reason for the execution of this political prisoner was alleged involvement in bombings, ambushes against military forces, and membership in Jaish al-Adl, a Baluch militant group.
Details of the Execution of six PMOI MembersThis political prisoner, who was about 18 years old at the time of his arrest, was from the village of Bilingi, near Chabahar in southeastern Iran. He had previously been shot during a raid by security forces on a shop. On Friday, April 24, this Baluch political prisoner informed his family in a phone call that he had been transferred from Zahedan Central Prison to quarantine and that his execution was scheduled to be carried out at dawn on Sunday, April 26.
Iran’s Regime Forges Guyana’s Flag in New Oil Tanker Scandal
Following international revelations about the Iranian regime’s covert oil activities, a new report by the Associated Press has exposed further dimensions of flag forgery. According to official statements by authorities in Guyana, a country in South America, the tanker fraudulently used the country’s maritime identity. Guyana’s maritime administration emphasized that the vessel was never registered in its maritime system and has no record there. This issue represents a clear example of flag forgery in maritime activities linked to the Iranian regime.
Details of the exposure of Guyana flag forgery in maritime records
Reports indicate that the tanker, previously known as Phoenix, presented itself under the Guyanese flag without going through legal procedures. This act constitutes a clear violation of international maritime laws. Authorities in Guyana stated that no authorization had been issued for the use of the country’s flag. Such an action is considered another example of flag forgery aimed at bypassing sanctions.India Has Seized Three Oil Tankers Linked to Iran’s Regime This MonthThe Associated Press also emphasized in its report that the tanker was seized by the United States in Asia and was suspected of carrying sanctioned Iranian crude oil. This event has once again drawn attention to the complex and covert networks used for oil transportation.
Reactions to the flag forgery case
Guyana’s authorities, in an official statement, denied any connection to the vessel. They stated that the illegal use of the country’s flag has targeted the credibility of its maritime system. This response indicates that the issue of flag forgery has become an international crisis. The exposure of this case once again shows that the ruling structure of the Iranian regime resorts to tools such as flag forgery and systematic concealment to ensure its survival. The repetition of such illegal actions presents a clear picture of the nature of corruption networks and the evasion of global regulations. It should be noted that the regime uses various methods to circumvent sanctions, and flag forgery is one example of the illegal actions of the Iranian regime.Iran War: Escalating Drug Shortages and Disruption of Healthcare Services
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has warned that the consequences of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran could place the country’s healthcare system under strain for months or even years.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stated that after weeks of bombardment, Iran is facing the risk of a serious crisis in the provision of healthcare services, and shortages of equipment along with disruptions in supply chains may persist for an extended period. At the same time, the state-run newspaper Donya-ye-Eqtesad reported that drug shortages—especially specialized and imported medications—have intensified in Tehran pharmacies, forcing patients either to wait for supplies or to use alternatives with lower effectiveness.
80% of Pharmacies in Iran on the Verge of Bankruptcy


