Iran’s Regime Sentences Two Young Protesters to DeathReports indicate that the interrogators’ aim in carrying out this torture was to extract forced confessions about his role in the protests. Confessions they never managed to obtain, and for that reason, Abbas Yavari was killed under torture. At the same time, in another case, two other political prisoners, Manouchehr Vafaei, 28, and Navid Naghdi, 32, who have been sentenced to death on charges of killing two Basij militia members affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Shiraz in 2024, are at risk of execution. International and human rights institutions must be the voice of these young rebels. This is an organized killing machine that for years has sought, through torture and executions, to suppress the uprising and movement of the Iranian people for overthrow. The continuation of this situation without accountability amounts to a green light for ongoing crimes. The پرونده of these crimes must be immediately referred to the United Nations Security Council. The leaders of Iran’s regime must be held accountable before international justice for decades of crimes against humanity. Silence and inaction amount to complicity with criminals. Now is the time for action, not observation.
Iranian Protester Dies Under Torture by Regime Agents
Abbas Yavari, a 31-year-old and one of the protesters in the January protests, was killed under systematic and organized torture by the henchmen of Iran’s regime in a detention center in Shiraz; a crime that once again lays bare the repressive and inhumane nature of this ruling system.
Abbas, a young Arab from Ahvaz, was arrested after participating in public protests in Shiraz and transferred to the city’s central prison. But this was not the end of the story; on March 26, he was moved to an undisclosed detention center, where he died under brutal torture. Security agents of the regime, following their usual script, claimed three days later that he had committed suicide; a repetitive lie used to cover state killings that deceives no one.
Strait Of Hormuz Declared Open Again; Trump: Naval Blockade Against Iran’s Regime Will Continue
Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran’s regime, announced in a post on the social media platform X that following the establishment of a ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage of all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will be fully open until the end of the ceasefire period. According to him, this decision was made within the framework of recent agreements and will be implemented until the specified deadline.
The ceasefire between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran’s regime on the other began on April 7 and is set to last for two weeks. However, Araghchi emphasized that vessel traffic must take place only through pre-designated routes coordinated with the Ports and Maritime Organization, a state body overseeing Iran’s shipping and port operations.
The Importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a Vital Artery of the Global EconomyMinutes after the message was published, U.S. President Donald Trump responded on his social media platform Truth Social, stating that Iran has just confirmed the strait is fully open and ready for free navigation. Since the start of U.S. and Israeli attacks, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had been disrupted, making it one of the central issues in negotiations and conditions for establishing the ceasefire. Reopening this strategic waterway had been one of the key conditions in the recent agreement between the parties. In contrast, the United States, which had previously launched a naval blockade against the southern ports of Iran’s regime in response to continued restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, announced that this measure will continue. Donald Trump stated that despite the reopening of the strait, the blockade will remain in place until a full agreement is reached with Tehran. On Friday, April 17, Trump wrote on Truth Social: THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE. THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J.TRUMP He also emphasized that the process of reaching the agreement must move quickly, as much of its content has already been negotiated. The naval blockade of Iran’s regime ports began by order of the U.S. president after the first round of negotiations between Iranian and American delegations in Pakistan, which was described as “unsuccessful,” and has been used as leverage to advance further talks. Following these developments, global energy markets reacted sharply, and oil prices experienced a significant decline. The price of oil in global markets fell by more than 10% to around 89 dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude also dropped by 11% to 84.11 dollars per barrel, a decrease that reflects the direct impact of geopolitical developments on the energy market.
Foreign Militia in Iran: A Show of Power or a Sign of Crisis?
As economic and social crises in Iran have expanded, multiple reports from various cities indicate that proxy forces in Iran have appeared openly in public spaces. This situation, occurring alongside increasing livelihood pressures, has fueled public discontent.
Expansion of Proxy Forces in Iran’s Major Cities
Reports indicate that from Tehran to Mashhad, the presence of proxy forces in Iran has significantly increased. In Tehran’s Moniriyeh Square, witnesses report armed individuals controlling citizens’ movement on the streets. Similar conditions have been reported on Vakilabad Boulevard in Mashhad. These forces have been deployed in cities while many citizens consider them alien to the country’s social structure.Iran’s Economy Under Pressure from War and Internet ShutdownsAccording to statements from some Tehran residents, proxy forces in Iran have made public spaces more difficult for citizens by imposing new restrictions. One citizen said that encountering armed individuals giving orders to people has increased feelings of insecurity and anger in society. This situation comes as economic problems continue to place additional pressure on the population. In addition to major cities, proxy mercenary forces have also been observed in other parts of Iran, including Sistan and Baluchestan province, where a large number of Pakistani forces referred to as the Zeynabiyoun Brigade are reportedly operating in cities across the province.
Coincidence of Proxy Forces in Iran with Economic Crisis
In the economic sphere, alongside the increased presence of proxy forces in Iran, a widespread recession in businesses has been reported. Many economic actors report a sharp decline in income. Some reports indicate that millions of people have not earned even one rial over the past two months. These conditions have pushed dissatisfaction over living standards to its peak. At the same time, the medicine crisis has intensified. Shortages of essential drugs and sharp price increases have created serious problems for patients. Under such conditions, the presence of proxy forces in Iran’s cities has increased public anxiety rather than reducing tensions. Many families now face security concerns in addition to economic worries.Change in the Pattern of Using Foreign or Proxy Forces in Iran
A review of historical trends shows that the use of proxy forces in Iran to control protests began in the 2000s. However, what has occurred in recent months differs significantly from the past. In earlier periods, efforts were made to keep such presence less visible, but now these forces are deployed openly and extensively. The open display of these mercenary forces in Iran is part of a policy aimed at instilling fear in society. Their presence on the streets, especially in busy areas, sends a clear message to citizens. This situation continues while memories of violent events in recent months remain fresh in the public mind.Psychological Impact of Proxy Forces in Iran on Society
Alongside these developments, the psychological state of society has also been affected. Many citizens report increased anxiety and psychological insecurity. The combination of economic crisis, medicine shortages, and the presence of proxy forces in Iran has created conditions that make daily life more difficult for people. The expansion of proxy elements in Iran, alongside deep economic and social crises, indicates a structure that relies on instruments of repression for survival. This trend intensifies public protests against the government and suggests that paths to reform within this structure are effectively closed, with public dissatisfaction reaching a stage that strengthens the prospect of fundamental change and the overthrow of the ruling system.The Collapse of Iran’s Economy; How Long Can People Endure?
As economic crises continue to intensify across the country, field reports from various cities indicate that people’s livelihood crisis has reached an unprecedented level. The simultaneous occurrence of economic recession, internet shutdowns, and rising unemployment has made signs of Iran’s economic collapse evident in people’s daily lives.
The intensification of the livelihood crisis amid the collapse of Iran’s economy
According to information received on Thursday, April 16, on the ninth day after the announcement of a ceasefire, economic conditions in many parts of the country have been reported as severely deteriorated. Local sources report a sharp decline in incomes and the shutdown of many businesses. This situation has further exposed the trend disintegration of Iran’s economy.Iran’s Economy Under Pressure from War and Internet ShutdownsIn Tehran, as one of the main centers of economic activity, signs of this crisis are more severe. The sudden rise in prices of essential goods, declining purchasing power, and loss of job opportunities have placed additional pressure on households. These conditions have caused the severe economic situation to penetrate everyday life for citizens.
Selling assets; a tangible image of the collapse of Iran’s economy
A Tehran resident told local sources: “The psychological and financial condition of people is far worse than what is visible. The internet is shut down, and many people have lost their jobs.” He added: “Many people are now forced to sell their gold or household items just to be able to obtain food.” These statements present a tangible picture of the painful state of people’s livelihoods. Reports indicate that internet shutdowns, alongside the economic recession, have been one of the factors intensifying this crisis. Many jobs dependent on online platforms have effectively come to a halt. This issue has created a new wave of unemployment and has significantly impacted people’s living conditions.The role of internet shutdowns in deepening economic collapse
Similar conditions have been reported in other cities as well. Rising living costs alongside declining incomes have pushed many families toward difficult decisions. Selling personal assets, including household items, has become a common solution to meet basic needs. At the same time as this economic crisis, reports have also emerged of increased security pressures and arrests. Some local sources describe a heavy psychological atmosphere in society. This situation has intensified feelings of despair and exhaustion among citizens and expanded the social dimensions of this crisis among the people of Iran.The social consequences of the collapse of Iran’s economy
Independent economic experts believe that the continuation of these conditions could have long-term consequences for the country’s economic and social structure. Declining social capital, widening class gaps, and the spread of poverty are among the consequences observable in the wake of Iran’s economic collapse. The economic crisis has passed the warning stage and entered a deeper phase. The continuation of this trend has increasingly affected people’s daily lives and revealed signs of Iran’s economic collapse in various dimensions. What is seen in society today is not just an economic crisis. Signs of a structural collapse are clearly visible. The collapse of Iran’s economy is the result of years of corruption and repression, and as long as this structure remains in place, this trend will continue.The Pahlavi Restoration: A Legacy of Torture and Revisionism
1924: A poet is murdered for his verses, silenced by a rising military strongman.
1941: A monarch abdicates on the orders of a foreign power, leaving behind a fortune stolen from the peasantry.
1953: A democratically elected prime minister is toppled in a coup to restore an absolute ruler.
1975: A king declares a one-party state and tells dissenters to leave the country or rot in jail.
To claim pride in this timeline is not to honor a nation’s history, but to endorse the very machinery of its oppression.
Why Can Reza Pahlavi Not Learn to Remain Silent?For years, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah of Iran, has carefully cultivated the image of a soft-spoken democrat. Living in exile since the 1979 Revolution, he has presented himself as a unifying figure—a “coordinator” for a future democratic Iran. However, during a series of recent media appearances in Stockholm, the mask of the modern democrat slipped, revealing a deep-seated devotion to the authoritarian methods of his father and grandfather. On April 13, 2026, at a press conference in the Swedish capital, Pahlavi was asked if he had any grievances with his father’s record. His response was deflection and historical revisionism. “I do not know why you are so fixated on something that happened decades ago,” he told reporters, before pivoting to a defense of his heritage. “I am in fact very proud of it… proud of this generation that has never even seen my father with their own eyes yet has fallen in love with him.” One day earlier, speaking to the Swedish state broadcaster Agenda, he was even more explicit: “Regarding my family background, I am proud of my heritage and I support their actions.” By framing the Pahlavi era as a lost golden age of “progress,” he effectively dismissed the decades of systemic torture, corruption, and political suppression that defined his family’s rule. To understand why these statements are so alarming to human rights advocates, one must look beyond the nostalgia and examine the documented record of the Pahlavi dynasty. The legacy Reza Pahlavi “proudly represents” began with his grandfather, Reza Shah, who rose to power through a military coup and spent his reign consolidating personal wealth and crushing dissent. By the time he was forced to abdicate by the British in 1941, he had forcibly seized 44,000 real estate properties from Iranian citizens, becoming one of the wealthiest men in the world while his subjects lived in poverty. His reign was marked by the deaths of thousands; at Qasr Prison alone, an estimated 24,000 people—mostly intellectuals, ethnic minorities, and activists—were killed. When his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, took the throne, the methods of control became even more sophisticated. Following the 1953 CIA-backed coup that ousted Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq, the Shah transformed Iran into a surveillance state. At the heart of this system was SAVAK, the National Intelligence and Security Organization. According to Amnesty International reports from the 1970s, torture in the Shah’s prisons was a “national pastime.” The methods described by survivors and international observers are harrowing: prisoners were whipped, burned with hot irons, subjected to electric shocks, and had their nails and teeth pulled out. In 1975, Martin Ennals, then the Secretary General of Amnesty International, noted that the Shah maintained a “benevolent image” despite having the highest rate of death penalties in the world and a history of torture “beyond belief.” Reza Pahlavi’s current rhetoric often emphasizes “freedom” and “human rights,” yet his father’s record on these issues was one of open contempt. In a 1973 interview with the Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci, Mohammad Reza Shah ridiculed the very concept of democracy, dismissing it as a system for “five-year-olds.” By 1975, he had abolished all political parties in favor of a single entity, the Rastakhiz (Resurgence) Party. In a televised address that year, he gave the Iranian people an ultimatum: join the party, go to prison, or leave the country. The misogyny inherent in the Pahlavi court is another historical reality that Reza Pahlavi’s modern rebranding attempts to obscure. While the Shah’s supporters often point to the “White Revolution” as a period of women’s liberation, the Shah’s own words suggested a deep-seated belief in female inferiority. In a 1977 interview with Barbara Walters, when asked if women were equal to men, the Shah paused and replied, “On the average, no.” He told Fallaci that women only counted if they were “beautiful and graceful,” and famously asserted that women had never produced a Michelangelo, a Bach, or even a “great cook.” When Reza Pahlavi tells a modern audience that he “supports their actions,” he is supporting a regime that held between 25,000 and 100,000 political prisoners at its peak. He is supporting a system where, in the slums of Tabriz, there was only one school for 100,000 children, while the royal family funneled billions into the secretive Pahlavi Foundation. The danger of Pahlavi’s recent comments lies in their dismissal of the “lessons learned.” He claims that Iranians want to “resume that good path once again,” but the “good path” he refers to ended in a popular revolution precisely because it was built on the suffering of the many for the benefit of the few. By refusing to condemn the crimes of the past, Pahlavi signals that his vision for the future is not a democratic departure, but a restoration of the status quo ante—a system where the monarch’s “mystical force” and secret police take precedence over the rule of law. For a political figure who seeks to lead a movement for “freedom,” the refusal to acknowledge the victims of SAVAK or the corruption of the Pahlavi estates is a disqualifying omission. A true democrat does not evade questions about state-sponsored torture by calling them a “fixation” on the past. As Iran stands at a crossroads, the need for a clear, democratic alternative to the current theocracy is undeniable. However, history suggests that replacing one form of autocracy with another—especially one that refuses to repent for its previous crimes—is a recipe for continued instability. Reza Pahlavi’s pride in his family’s legacy is a warning. It suggests that if the Pahlavis were to return to power, the “lessons” they have learned are not about the value of liberty, but about the necessity of more effective rebranding. For those who remember the screams in the cells of Evin and the absolute silence of the one-party state, “pride” is the last thing this legacy should evoke.
Internet Shutdown in Iran: 48 Days of Blackout and $80 Million in Daily Losses
With the continued widespread disruption in internet access, the communications crisis in the country has entered a new phase. Reports indicate that the internet shutdown in Iran has reached one of the longest periods of nationwide blackout, and its consequences have become visible across many aspects of people’s lives.
According to the latest report by internet watchdog NetBlocks, the internet shutdown in Iran has entered its 48th consecutive day. The report stresses that the total hours of disruption have reached about 1,128 hours and are still continuing.
📉 Metrics show the internet blackout in #Iran is ongoing into its 48th day after 1128 hours. The censorship measure, unsurpassed in scale and severity in a connected society, has had an economic impact of ~$1.8bn to date per COST methodology in addition to human rights harms. pic.twitter.com/ypsMJusyIz
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) April 16, 2026
Internet Shutdown in Iran and Deprivation from Global Connectivity
The continuation of this situation has deprived a large portion of citizens of access to the international internet. This deprivation has severely restricted communication with the outside world. Many users have lost access to basic communication services.The Impact of Internet Shutdowns on the Daily Lives of People in IranAt the same time, access to free information has also faced serious disruption. The NetBlocks report shows that the internet shutdown in Iran has extensively disrupted the free flow of information. This situation has intensified concerns about increasing censorship. Meanwhile, many people’s daily activities have been disrupted. Online services, virtual education, and work communications have been severely damaged. Users report extreme slowness or complete loss of access.
Heavy Economic Damage from the Internet Shutdown in Iran
Alongside the social consequences, the economic effects of this crisis are also significant. Afshin Kolahi, head of the knowledge-based commission of the Iranian regime’s Chamber of Commerce, stated that the internet shutdown in Iran inflicts heavy daily losses on the economy. According to him, the damage caused by this situation is estimated at about $80 million per day. This figure includes both direct and indirect losses. Such a number reflects the depth of this crisis’s impact on the country’s economy. The state-run Tabnak website also reported that this level of damage is the result of disruptions in economic activities, especially online businesses. Many businesses have faced reduced revenue or complete suspension of operations. Economic experts have warned that the continuation of the internet shutdown could halt the growth of the digital economy. This situation has also affected the livelihoods of millions of people.Internet Shutdown in Iran Under Wartime Conditions
This widespread disruption is taking place while the country is facing wartime conditions. The simultaneity of these two factors has placed additional pressure on society. Many analysts have expressed concern over increased restrictions under such circumstances. The continued internet shutdown in Iran has heightened concerns about tighter information control. Some reports suggest that these restrictions have been imposed to manage the flow of information. At the same time, citizens are facing serious difficulties in communicating with their families and colleagues. This issue has increased psychological and social pressure. The continuation of the internet shutdown in Iran presents a clear picture of the regime’s controlling and repressive structure. A government that, even under critical conditions, chooses the path of blockage and restriction instead of accountability. The experience of past years has shown that this trend is neither reformable nor temporary; rather, it is part of a permanent mechanism for controlling society that will only end with the removal of this structure and the overthrow of the fascist the mullahs’ rule.Iran’s Economy Under Pressure from War and Internet Shutdowns
As the true dimensions of Iran’s economic crisis become more evident each day, regime officials are acknowledging the heavy damage caused by war as well as the widespread losses resulting from domestic policies.
The government spokesperson announced that the preliminary estimate of war-related damage is about $270 billion.
He stressed that this figure is not yet final and may increase. According to him, one of the key issues being pursued by the Iranian regime’s negotiating team in international talks, including the negotiations held in Islamabad, is securing war reparations.
Iran’s Economy Beneath the Rubble of War and Structural CollapseThe regime official added that the assessment of damages is being carried out at multiple levels and, based on current reviews, U.S. and Israeli attacks have inflicted such losses on Iran’s economy. Meanwhile, the state-run Fararu website reported on April 14 that the head of the Business Commission revealed the heavy losses caused by internet shutdowns. He stated that each day internet disruption inflicts between $70 million and $80 million in damage on the country’s economy. To better illustrate the scale of this damage, he said that the cost of building a “B1-level” bridge is about $15 million to $20 million, while each megawatt of power plant capacity costs between $1 million and $3 million. Based on this, the daily loss caused by internet shutdowns is equivalent to losing several bridges or multiple medium-sized power plants every single day. The official also explained that the direct damage from internet shutdowns is estimated at about $30 million to $40 million per day, but when indirect losses are considered, the figure at least doubles, reaching $70 million to $80 million.
U.S. Treasury Sanctions Shamkhani Oil Network
The United States Department of the Treasury imposed a new package of sanctions against 3 individuals, 17 companies, and 9 tankers linked to the Iranian regime. In this action, a network affiliated with Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son Ali Shamkhani, the slain senior adviser to former regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei, as well as a financing structure tied to Hezbollah in Lebanon, was targeted.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani’s network has used front companies in the United Arab Emirates, India, and the Marshall Islands to evade sanctions and has generated billions of dollars in revenue through the sale of Iranian and Russian oil and liquefied gas. The department stated that Shamkhani oversees a multibillion-dollar oil sales empire that serves the interests of the Iranian regime.
Children of Iranian Regime Officials Enjoy Luxury Lives in Dubai and EuropeIn another part of this action, Seyed Badr al-Din Naeimai Mousavi, an Iranian national and one of Hezbollah’s financial facilitators in Lebanon, was also sanctioned. Three companies linked to a complex network involved in selling Iranian oil in exchange for Venezuelan gold were also placed on the sanctions list. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, this network ultimately operated for the benefit of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Fresh Washington Warning: Buyers of the Iranian Regime’s Oil and Cooperating Banks in the Crosshairs of Secondary Sanctions The U.S. Treasury Secretary announced that Washington is prepared to enforce secondary sanctions against oil buyers and financial institutions cooperating with the Iranian regime in order to intensify economic pressure. Under this position, any bank involved in transferring the regime’s money and any party that continues purchasing oil from this government could face direct U.S. penalties. This latest warning comes as pressure on the Iranian regime’s oil sales and transportation network is also increasing simultaneously.
CENTCOM Announced a Complete Naval Blockade of Iran
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the plan to block the ports of the Iranian regime has been fully implemented. In a statement, the command said that within just 36 hours of the start of the operation, U.S. forces had succeeded in halting all maritime commercial exchanges to and from Iran.
CENTCOM emphasized maintaining U.S. naval superiority in the Middle East region and added that the operation was carried out with the aim of full control over maritime traffic related to Iran and is still ongoing.
Iran’s Regime Prioritizes Its Repressive Apparatus over People’s Lives During CeasefireMeanwhile, military analysts assess this move as one of the lower-risk options compared with more aggressive scenarios. According to Mark Montgomery, a retired U.S. admiral, enforcing a naval blockade carries fewer risks for American forces than actions such as military escort of ships through the Strait of Hormuz or seizing strategic points. In alternative scenarios, U.S. forces could have been exposed to threats such as missile attacks, drone strikes, fast boats, and even naval mines; whereas under the current situation, American warships are stationed at a safe distance in the Gulf of Oman, monitoring ship traffic and stopping vessels when necessary. CENTCOM commander General Brad Cooper also pointed to the Iranian regime economy’s high dependence on maritime trade, stating that about 90% of the country’s economic exchanges are conducted by sea, and disruption of this route would create significant pressure. CENTCOM also reported that U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are participating in the operation and that the blockade applies to all ships regardless of their country of origin or destination. These destroyers, each carrying more than 300 crew members, are trained for complex offensive and defensive operations. In another development, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, after recent talks in Islamabad with the Iranian delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran regime parliament, stated that in his view Ghalibaf effectively holds control over Iran’s affairs. He also emphasized that despite some progress in the talks, the level of distrust between the two countries remains high, and resolving the disputes in the short term appears unlikely.
Iran’s Regime Prioritizes Its Repressive Apparatus over People’s Lives During Ceasefire
The state-run Tabnak media outlet published a piece on April 11 titled “The Wounded but Living Brain; Command Rises Again from Beneath the Rubble.” The state-run outlet examines the extent of the blow to the command force and how the Iranian regime was thrown into convulsions after the killing of Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran’s regime, and senior regime commanders during a foreign war.
And its key message is that the regime’s priority is not to address the needs of the war-stricken people but to maintain its hold on power against a restive population that demands regime change.
The state-run Tabnak writes: “Now supposedly there is a ceasefire, supposedly America and Israel are not attacking Iran, but right now is the time for the recovery and restoration of the central command forces, the thinking brains that were deep in the war and have become exhausted and wounded.”
U.S. Naval Blockade of Iran Begins on MondayAccording to the state-run Tabnak: “War is always recognized by smoke and fire, but the place where its fate is truly written is in rooms no one sees. In days when a ceasefire exists only on paper, inside those same rooms, a wounded brain is being repaired; a brain that, if it functions properly again, can turn the entire battlefield around.”
