Ongoing Repression of Imprisoned Iranian Students: New Court Session for Ali Younesi

Esmaeil Mohades
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Ongoing Repression of Imprisoned Iranian Students: New Court Session for Ali Younesi
On Monday, July 28, a new court session was held for Ali Younesi, a top student from Sharif University of Technology, as part of a renewed case against him. This session followed an initial hearing on July 20 targeting him and fellow student Amirhossein Moradi, where both were once again prosecuted on charges of “propaganda against the regime”—this time in Younesi’s absence. Younesi was absent from the first session due to the unknown location of his detention. His absence and the complete lack of information about his condition deepened the concerns of his family and Iran’s academic community.
Over a Month of Silence After Ali Younesi’s Enforced Disappearance from Evin
Ali Younesi’s sister, Aida Younesi, wrote the following on her X (formerly Twitter) account: “After three months of waiting and not knowing, my mother was finally able to see Ali. They brought him from Qom Prison to the Revolutionary Court. From the day Ali was abducted from Ward 4 of Evin and taken to solitary confinement, to after the bombing and his transfer to Greater Tehran Prison, and finally his exile to Qom Prison, my parents have spent every moment in anxiety and silence.”

Government abduction and torture of top students

According to received reports, about a month ago Ali Younesi was suddenly and without prior notice transferred from Greater Tehran Prison to Qom Prison. His mother, after three months without any news, was finally able to visit him—but received no reassuring answers regarding his health. Meanwhile, Amirhossein Moradi was transferred to Greater Tehran Prison after parts of Evin Prison were damaged. In last week’s hearing, Moradi appeared in Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mazloumi, while handcuffed and shackled. Both students—Younesi and Moradi—were violently arrested in 2020 and subjected to months of torture and pressure in solitary confinement in Ward 209. Younesi is a computer science student and a gold medalist in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad; Moradi is a physics Olympiad medalist. Under similar circumstances, Saeed Masouri, another prominent political prisoner, was suddenly exiled to Zahedan Prison—an action taken in a climate of opacity that has left families in deeper confusion. Sources report that on July 26, the special guard unit stormed the political prisoners’ ward of Ghezel Hesar Prison. Following the assault, prisoners were violently beaten, handcuffed and shackled, and transferred to solitary confinement or unknown locations. All contact with families was severed, and visitation rights were suspended. In this context, families who went to the prison on July 28 for visitation were met with closed gates and silence from officials. No information has been provided about the prisoners’ whereabouts, physical health, or legal status. In response to the executions at Ghezel Hesar Prison, international analysts and human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations have called for the immediate halt of executions, resumption of visitation and phone contact, and an end to the current wave of repression. They have demanded serious action against political executions, disruptions in legal proceedings, and diplomatic pressure on Iran’s regime to uphold the rights of prisoners.

Systematic Human Rights Violations and a Threat to Saeed Masouri’s Life After 25 Years of Imprisonment

Mehdi Hosseini
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Systematic Human Rights Violations and a Threat to Saeed Masouri’s Life After 25 Years of Imprisonment
On the morning of Sunday, July 27, Saeed Masouri—the longest-held political prisoner in Iran’s regime prisons—was suddenly exiled from Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj to Zahedan Prison, one of the most deprived and dangerous facilities in the country, without any legal warrant. His family has described the move as “punitive and deliberate” and voiced grave concern for his life and well-being.

Sudden Transfer Without Judicial Order

According to reports from inside the prison, the transfer was carried out in the early morning hours without prior notice, by security agents who presented no judicial documentation. A similar attempt in previous weeks had failed due to Masouri’s resistance and support from his fellow inmates.
“A Crime is in Progress”: A Letter from Political Prisoner Saeed Masouri Exposing the Iranian Regime’s Plans
Earlier, on June 15, Ministry of Intelligence agents had also attempted to move this political prisoner to an undisclosed location but were forced to retreat after protests from other prisoners.

Opposition to Executions: A Catalyst for Increased Pressure

In June, Saeed Masouri released a letter from prison in which he strongly condemned the issuance and implementation of death sentences, particularly against political prisoners. Many human rights observers believe that this stance led to increased pressure and punitive measures, such as his exile far from his family. Following his exile, Saeed Masouri’s family released the following statement:

Exile of Saeed Masouri to Zahedan Prison: A Punitive Transfer After 25 Years in Prison

Saeed Masouri, a political prisoner who has spent more than 25 years in Iranian regime prisons, was exiled to Zahedan Prison without any prior notice or legal warrant. This abrupt action by security agencies comes after years of his detention in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, near which his family had settled to facilitate visitation. Exile to Zahedan—a prison known for its deprivation and danger—is clearly an act of increasing psychological and physical abuse of this political prisoner and his family. This transfer not only endangers his basic rights to visitation, medical care, and safety, but is part of a prolonged campaign of deliberate deprivation of his fundamental human rights. His exile to Zahedan poses a serious threat to his health and safety, and must be met with an urgent response from international human rights organizations.

25 Years Without Furlough: Intensified Deprivation for a Political Prisoner

Saeed Masouri has been imprisoned since 2000. Over these years, he has been denied the right to furlough, open communication, and proper medical care. He has repeatedly faced psychological torture, repeated interrogations, punitive transfers, and solitary confinement.

79th Week of ‘No to Executions Tuesdays’ Held in 48 Prisons Following Execution of Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani

Jubin Katiraie
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79th Week of ‘No to Executions Tuesdays’ Held in 48 Prisons Following Execution of Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani
The 79th campaign of “No to Executions Tuesdays” was held in 48 prisons on Tuesday, July 29. This round of the campaign came after the brutal crackdown on political prisoners in Ghezel Hesar Prison, the exile of Saeed Masouri—Iran’s longest-held political prisoner—to Zahedan Prison, and the executions of Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani. On Tuesday, July 29, prisoners in 48 prisons across the country participated in a hunger strike as part of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign. This hunger strike was held while two political prisoners, Behrouz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hassani, were executed on July 27 following a violent assault on inmates in Ghezel Hesar Prison. The full statement of the prisoners participating in the seventy-ninth round of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign is as follows: Despite the savage attack on the heart of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign in Ghezel Hesar Prison, the campaign continues with resistance and unity. The regime, incapable of resolving its domestic and foreign crises, has intensified its violence against the people. In this context, the regime of executions and repression, on the morning of Sunday, July 27, unjustly executed two participants in this campaign—political prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani—in Ghezel Hesar Prison, without prior notice and without allowing final visits with their families. On Saturday, July 26, under orders from Ghezel Hesar Prison’s warden, Allahkaram Azizi, and his deputies, Hassan Ghobadi and Esmail Farajnejad, more than 100 armed prison guards and intelligence agents stormed the ward for political prisoners in Unit 4. All political prisoners in the unit were transferred to solitary confinement with handcuffs, shackles, and bags over their heads. Following this assault, Saeed Masouri, one of the initial signatories of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign, was transferred into exile to Zahedan Prison. In response to this criminal act, defiant prisoners in Qarchak and Greater Tehran prisons held ceremonies and chanted slogans, reaffirming their commitment to stopping executions. Also last week, political prisoner Yaghoub Derakhshan, who had previously been arrested on charges of “propaganda against the regime,” was sentenced to death in Lakan Prison in Rasht. At least 20 people were executed in various prisons across the country over the past week. In addition, during the one-year presidency of Masoud Pezeshkian, the number of executions has reached at least 1,477—higher than previous years and especially far more than during [Ebrahim] Raisi’s presidency. [Gholamhossein] Mohseni Ejei, head of the judiciary, openly acknowledged the intensification of repression during his press conference last week. He said that over 2,000 people were arrested solely during the so-called “12-day war.” We, the members of the campaign, believe that the regime’s aim behind this relentless violence is to instill fear and silence a society that, despite all the pressure, continues to insist on its rightful demands for justice, freedom, human dignity, and the right to self-determination. We, the members of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign in 48 prisons across the country, condemn the inhumane and unjust executions and repression of prisoners. We call on all awakened consciences and freedom seekers—both inside Iran and internationally—to amplify the cry of “No to Executions” by actively supporting this campaign and to prioritize its expansion by all means possible, despite the regime’s efforts to suppress it. We express our deep concern about the condition of political prisoners involved in this campaign, who played an irreplaceable role in initiating this movement and have now been transferred to unknown locations. We urge everyone not to abandon the families of executed prisoners or the campaign’s members. The lives of political prisoners in Ghezel Hesar and other prisons across Iran are in serious danger. We call on all prisoners, inspired by the defiant women and inmates of Qarchak and Greater Tehran prisons, to hold ceremonies and not allow the blood of the brave who were hanged to be trampled upon, nor the voices of the campaign’s founders to be silenced in obscurity and quiet. The key to victory for freedom, equality, and the retreat of tyranny and reaction lies in collective unity and solidarity.

Iran’s Economy in Crisis: Investment Collapse and Soaring Inflation

Mehdi Hosseini
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Iran’s Economy in Crisis: Investment Collapse and Soaring Inflation
Iran’s economy is trapped in a vortex of structural crises and foreign tensions—a situation that offers no clear path to recovery and instead reveals deeper signs of collapsing economic and social resilience. Official and field data indicate runaway inflation, declining investment, shrinking market activity and business operations, and an increasing inability of households to meet basic needs.

Runaway Inflation and the Strain on Livelihoods

The increase in prices of essential goods, especially food, has gone beyond what can be labeled as mere “price hikes”—it has become a full-fledged economic shock. Official data show that from last winter until June 21, prices of items like rice, beans, and lentils have surged by at least 70%. Iranian rice, a staple of household meals, experienced another 50% price jump in late June, rising from 1.5–1.8 million rials per kilogram to 3 million rials (with the free-market exchange rate at 900,000 rials per USD). Bread, another essential dietary item, has increased by 52% in provincial capitals and by 40% in smaller cities. These figures represent only part of a harsh reality that has pushed lower-income deciles, minimum-wage earners, day laborers, and precarious workers to the brink of being unable to afford life’s basics.
The Crippled Economy of Iran and the Irreversible Paths
Food inflation is just one part of the story. Rents, transportation costs, energy tariffs, and medicine prices have also seen several double-digit increases, adding even more pressure on households. Meanwhile, items like red meat, poultry, and eggs—already beyond the market’s tolerance threshold—have now risen by another 8% to 11%, effectively becoming unaffordable for much of the population. This situation not only threatens household livelihoods but has also deepened class divisions and fueled widespread social discontent.

Economic Recession and Structural Inefficiency

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stands at 42.9 for the overall economy and 42.1 for the industrial sector, signaling a deep recession. This recession is the outcome of a flawed economic structure that simultaneously fuels inflation and stifles growth. Liquidity, which under normal circumstances could stimulate demand, has instead become a burden on both consumers and businesses within this dysfunctional framework. Over the past decades, rather than decentralizing, the government has only grown more bloated and is now incapable of navigating the current crisis. In contrast, the fragile and underdeveloped private sector grows weaker with every new shock. Many businesses are on the verge of bankruptcy, and falling inventory levels, declining demand, and the halt in industrial activity—especially in construction—are exacerbating this fragility. Mahmoud Najafi-Arab, head of Tehran’s Chamber of Commerce, cited declining investment and the reluctance of foreign investors to enter Iran as a direct consequence of the uncertainty caused by military tensions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of any economy, have become increasingly vulnerable under the weight of bank debts, overdue taxes, and economic shocks stemming from recent tensions. Sanctions, by limiting trade interactions, have put these businesses under severe financial and operational strain. Government-mandated price controls and direct interference have further endangered economic development and people’s livelihoods.

Stock Market in Freefall

The capital market has not been spared from the crisis either. The main stock index has been on a continuous downward trend, including a 6,000-point drop on July 23. This decline reflects the outflow of real investors’ capital into bank deposits and fixed-income funds. Stock market analyst Mohammad Rezanajad says that persistent systemic risk and multiple structural imbalances—such as the water crisis—have pushed the stock exchange into negative territory. The dollar value of the market has dropped to under $100 billion, the lowest point in five years. This has not only eroded investor confidence but also left little room for positive earnings prospects among companies.

Uncertainty and Lost Opportunities

Kamran Naderi, a regime-affiliated economist, noted the effects of geopolitical tensions on Iran’s economy, including slower growth, rising inflation, and disruption of key economic balances. He stated that if current conditions persist, forecasting any positive growth for the second half of the year would be unrealistic. Sanctions—which now have even more damaging effects—combined with failed domestic policies, have placed immense pressure on the country’s economic infrastructure. Sociologist Alireza Sharifi-Yazdi described uncertainty as the defining feature of this period. The inability to plan—for both the people and officials—has diminished any sense of hope for the future. When the future is unpredictable, motivation for everyday activity is lost.

A Vortex of Inflation, Recession, and Uncertainty

Iran’s economy is trapped in a vortex of inflation, recession, and uncertainty. Failed policies, geopolitical tensions, and a dysfunctional economic structure have not only stunted growth but severely eroded the country’s economic and social resilience. In the midst of this, low-income households, SMEs, and the stock market have borne the brunt of the damage.

Global Condemnation of the Execution of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani

Esmaeil Mohades
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Global Condemnation of the Execution of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani
Global Condemnation of the Brutal Execution of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani Political prisoners and members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, were executed by Iran’s regime at dawn on Sunday, July 27. The execution of these two political prisoners triggered a wave of international condemnation. Political figures and parliamentarians from various countries denounced this crime. Prominent voices across the political spectrum reacted with fury and grief: Lord David Alton, UK: “Earlier this week at the UK Parliament, I warned that Iran’s dictatorship was continuing its systematic execution of opponents. Today this tragic news was confirmed. @DavidLammy should urgently make clear the UK’s condemnation of such barbarism.” Ryszard Czarnecki, MEP: “At dawn this morning, Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani were executed in Iran. They were charged with the bogus crime of ‘waging war on God’ for membership in the PMOI (MEK). We (me personally as well – look for this dramatic picture!) supported them from the EP. Even a resolution was passed in their names. @kajakallas must ACT NOW to save other political prisoners on death row.” Milan Zver, MEP: “Political prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani were executed this morning. We tried to help them. But the regime is ruthless.” Jessika van Leeuwen: “Shocked to hear that the Iranian regime has executed political prisoners Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani this morning. The regime may not listen – but that must not stop us from using our voice.” Katrin Langensiepen, MEP: “Today we got the news that Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani were executed.” Arkadiusz Mularczyk, MEP: “Shocking news from Iran. Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani were executed this morning. We strongly condemn this act. The regime continues its war against freedom and human dignity.” Dorien Rookmaker, MEP: “The Mullahs of the regime in Iran will be rather sooner than later (@ICC) held accountable for the numerous innocent victims they made. This is premeditated murder. Two political prisoners have been executed again in Iran. Not a word from the international community.” Dominique Attias, French lawyer and human rights advocate: “Iran: An opposition movement in exile condemns the execution of two of its members. They never denied their affiliation with the People’s Mojahedin. To die for the freedom of their people. They will be avenged. In the heat of summer, the bloody regime of the mullahs executed Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani this morning.” Antonio Stango, Italian Human Rights Federation: “At dawn on July 27, the ayatollahs’ regime in Iran hanged political prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani in Ghezel Hesar prison, accused of ‘armed rebellion’ for being members of the PMOI/MEK (People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran).” Elisabetta Zamparutti, Nessuno Tocchi Caino (Italy): “This morning in #Iran, #BehrouzEhsani and #MehdiHassani were hanged in Ghezel Hesar prison. They were executed for being part of the Iranian resistance led by Maryam Rajavi and as part of the Iranian regime’s publicly declared intention to repeat the 1988 massacre. That massacre, which took place over a few days, resulted in the execution of over 30,000 political prisoners—a massacre the mullahs continue to describe as a ‘historic successful experience.’ At least 745 executions have been carried out by the Iranian theocracy since the beginning of the year. I had interviewed Mehdi’s daughter, and as Nessuno Tocchi Caino, we appealed to our government and international organizations to prevent these executions. Today, the news of their hanging demands an even more urgent commitment, as many prisoners in Iran’s death rows face the same charges as Mehdi and Behrouz and could face a mass execution. Discussing the crisis and war in the Middle East without considering what is happening in Iran—namely, the Iranian regime’s war against its own people—continues to perpetuate that same crisis and war in the Middle East.” Paulo Casaca: A new crime of the Mullah Lilia Lemoine, Argentine politician: The Iranian theocratic regime continues to murder opponents. I hope the Iranian people can overcome this darkness soon.

Executions Reflect the Decline and Bankruptcy of the Mullahs’ Dictatorship

The increasing number of executions in Iran is not a sign of strength, but rather clear evidence of the Iranian regime’s decline and bankruptcy. Unable to respond to the people’s demands, the regime resorts to executions and suppression of political prisoners in a desperate attempt to delay its inevitable downfall by instilling fear.

Global Inaction Fuels the Iranian Regime’s Execution Machine

Four decades of appeasement in the face of the Iranian regime’s crimes—including mass executions, systematic human rights violations, hostage-taking, and meddling in neighboring countries—has not only emboldened its continued repression of the Iranian people, but also encouraged its export of terrorism, warmongering, and pursuit of nuclear weapons. Global governments’ inaction rendered the appeals of human rights organizations and parliaments to stop the execution of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani fruitless, allowing the Iranian regime to carry on with its atrocities. Fourteen more political prisoners, accused of being affiliated with the PMOI/MEK, are now on death row. The international community must take firm action, including decisive sanctions and practical measures, to stop the execution machine of Khamenei’s regime.

Retirees Return to the Streets Across Iran Chanting “We Refuse to Live Under Oppression”

Sia Rajabi
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Retirees Return to the Streets Across Iran Chanting “We Refuse to Live Under Oppression”
On Sunday, July 27, retirees from the Social Security and Education sectors took to the streets once again in various cities across Iran—from Tehran to Rasht, Arak, and Kermanshah—to raise their voices in protest against poverty, corruption, and the injustice of the regime.

Tehran: Retired Educators Rally in Front of Education Ministry

On Sunday morning, retired teachers gathered in front of the Ministry of Education in Tehran to express their anger over repeated broken promises by Iran’s regime and the failure to pay their retirement bonuses. One protester shouted, choking back emotion: “If they don’t pay our bonus, I will set myself on fire.” With chants like “Incompetent minister, resign, resign,” the demonstrators condemned the regime’s structural corruption and inefficiency.
A New Wave of Protests Over Water and Power Shortages from Nishapur to Amol and Anar

Tehran: Social Security Retirees Protest in Front of Main Office

At the same time, a group of Social Security retirees and retired teachers gathered in front of the main Social Security Organization building in Tehran. With slogans like “Only in the streets can we get our rights,” they demanded immediate attention to their living conditions, payment of overdue benefits, and an end to economic pressure.

Gilan Province: Retirees Sing “Ey Iran” to Symbolize National Solidarity

In Gilan province, retirees turned the atmosphere of protest into a symbol of national solidarity by singing the patriotic anthem “Ey Iran.” With slogans such as “The poverty line rose, our table shrank,” “Retirees are awake, fed up with discrimination,” and “No more promises, no more lies—livelihood is our right,” they demanded full implementation of pension equalization, the elimination of structural discrimination, and improved economic conditions.

Arak: Retirees Protest Dire Living Conditions

In Arak, retirees gathered in front of regime institutions to protest their dire economic conditions, injustice, and the regime’s continued failure to address their demands. These protests are part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations by various segments of the Iranian population.

Kermanshah: United Against Poverty and Corruption

In Kermanshah, Social Security retirees rallied in front of the organization’s office, chanting slogans such as “Unity, unity, against poverty and corruption,” “We want no war, no killing—lasting welfare is what we demand,” and “Our enemy is right here, they lie it’s America.” Protesters voiced their anger at the regime’s looting of national resources. With chants like “Embezzlements are in dollars, our salaries are in rials” and “Enough of warmongering, our tables are empty,” they denounced the regime’s wasteful spending on nuclear and missile programs. They also demanded the release of jailed teachers and workers, while chanting “Workers, teachers, employees, and retirees—unity, unity” to showcase the solidarity of different social classes.

Regime in Crisis: From Looting Salaries to Social Collapse

Iran’s regime, mired in deadly economic crises, has plundered retirees’ salaries and diverted national resources to futile nuclear, missile, and military ventures. The regime’s empty treasury and economic mismanagement have plunged the lives of millions of Iranians into poverty and misery. These retirees’ protests, now a nationwide movement, are not only driven by economic demands but also serve as an outcry against the regime’s corruption, oppression, and systemic repression. These demonstrations—joined by teachers, workers, and retirees across various cities—serve as an alarm bell for Iran’s regime. The international community must end its silence on the Iranian regime’s crimes and, through firm support for the Iranian people’s struggle, targeted sanctions, and political pressure, help pave the way for justice and freedom in Iran.

Water And Electricity Supply Crisis; Efforts for the Rapid Transfer of Water to Tehran

Esmaeil Mohades
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Water And Electricity Supply Crisis; Efforts for the Rapid Transfer of Water to Tehran
Amid a severe water crisis in Iran and growing public complaints over water cuts, Massoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian regime’s president, visited several dams in Alborz province, including Karaj Dam and Taleqan Dam. On the evening of Thursday, July 24, following his visit to the Taleqan Dam water transfer project to Tehran, Pezeshkian told reporters: “As you can see, according to reports, the water level behind the Taleqan Dam has dropped by nearly 48 meters, which is a serious warning for the drinking water supply of the capital and nearby cities.” He promised that efforts are underway to “rapidly transfer water from Taleqan to offset the water crisis in Alborz and Tehran provinces.”
A New Wave of Protests Over Water and Power Shortages from Nishapur to Amol and Anar
At the same time, Pezeshkian urged the public to “definitely conserve water until the current situation stabilizes.” The state-run IRNA news agency also reported that in the current water year, the reservoirs of dams supplying drinking water to Alborz province have significantly decreased. According to Iran Water Resources Management Company, Karaj Dam has seen a 60% drop in water levels, Taleqan Dam 33%, Lar Dam 25%, and Latyan Dam 45% compared to the previous year. The state-run IRNA described this situation as “fragile.” Meanwhile, environmental experts have been warning for years about the threat of “water bankruptcy” in Iran, calling any water transfer project that is incompatible with regional climate conditions a temporary fix.

Water transfer project from Taleqan to Karaj and Tehran

This project by Iran’s Ministry of Energy is not new. Under the administration of former regime president Ebrahim Raisi—who died in a helicopter crash in May 2024—an 1,800-millimeter pipeline, 60 kilometers in length, was laid from Lake Ziaran near the Taleqan Dam to the Bileqan intake near the Karaj Dam. Now, Pezeshkian’s administration claims it has accelerated the implementation of the project, stating that under the three years of former regime president Ebrahim Raisi, progress had reached only 27%, while under the current 14th government, progress has reached nearly 70% in just eight months. According to project officials, Phase Two, which aims to deliver water to Tehran, will be completed in early October 2025. They added that upon completion, the project would enable the annual transfer of “300 million cubic meters of water” to Alborz and Tehran provinces. As the energy crisis deepens and multi-hour blackouts and water outages become more frequent across Iran, regime officials have resorted to weekday shutdowns to manage consumption. They hailed last Wednesday’s closure as a success and called for the continuation of such measures.
Water Crisis in Iran: Mismanagement, Blackouts, and Public Distrust Amid Environmental Collapse
In the past month, Iranian regime officials have attempted to curb consumption through emergency actions such as frequent water and electricity cuts and closing government offices on certain days. On Sunday, July 27, Minister of Energy Abbas Aliabadi announced that the Wednesday, July 23 closure in various regions of the country led to a reduction of 19,000 megawatt-hours in electricity consumption compared to the previous day. He said the shutdown led to a decrease in Tehran’s water consumption by 3,800 liters per second, equivalent to 418,000 cubic meters. Earlier, some experts had emphasized that reductions in consumption following office closures and reduced mobility are natural, but such measures offer only short-term relief and cannot replace structural policymaking needed to manage the energy crisis. A major share of electricity consumption in Iran comes from the industrial, administrative, and agricultural sectors, while about 90% of the country’s water is used in agriculture—factors that limit the household sector’s role in resolving the crisis.

Power generation at Karaj Dam likely to stop within two weeks

On July 27, Mohammad Ali Moallem, director of the Karaj Dam, warned that due to water shortages, although the hydroelectric power station at the dam is currently operational, water levels may drop within two weeks to the point where power generation will no longer be possible. He added that if the water level falls below the lower intake gate, electricity generation will no longer be feasible.

Iran’s Regime Executes Political Prisoners Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani

Jubin Katiraie
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Iran’s Regime Executes Political Prisoners Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani
According to the state-run Mizan news agency, on the morning of Sunday, July 27, 2025, Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani, two political prisoners, were executed in Iran’s Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. The charge against them was “membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).” This comes despite widespread violations of fair trial standards in their legal proceedings. Their requests for retrial were repeatedly and summarily rejected by the regime’s Supreme Court without thorough review. The PMOI is the largest opposition group to the Iranian regime. Since 1979, the regime has executed 120,000 of its members. In mid-September 2024, Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani were sentenced to death by Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The verdict was upheld on January 7, 2025, by the Supreme Court without holding a court of appeals. Human rights observers emphasize that this process reflects a lack of judicial transparency and a disregard for the rights of the accused. The families of the two political prisoners had stated that over the past few months, their access to independent lawyers was severely restricted, and many aspects of the legal proceedings were conducted in a highly securitized environment, away from public scrutiny. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that the charge of “membership in opposition groups” has become a tool used by the Iranian regime to suppress political and ideological dissent. The execution of these two prisoners has sparked a wave of domestic and international condemnation. Human rights organizations have called for an immediate halt to political executions, a review of judicial procedures, and adherence to international legal standards in Iran. Political prisoner Behrouz Ehsani Eslamloo, born in 1965, was 70 years old, originally from Urmia and residing in Tehran. He held a high school diploma, worked independently, was married, had two children, and was the head of a household that included an elderly mother. Mr. Ehsani was arrested at his home in November 2022, during the height of the nationwide uprising, and was transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is operated by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. After three and a half months of torture and interrogation, he was moved to Ward 4 of Evin Prison. In mid-September 2024, after 22 months in limbo, Behrouz Ehsani was finally sentenced to death alongside fellow political prisoner Mehdi Hassani by Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The court informed his lawyer of the sentence. The charges against Mr. Behrouz Ehsani were listed as “armed rebellion, waging war against God, corruption on Earth, membership in the PMOI, collecting classified information, and assembly and collusion against national security.” Political prisoner Mehdi Hassani, born in 1976 in the city of Zanjan, was 48 years old, married, and the father of three children. Mr. Hassani was arrested on September 11, 2022, in Zanjan County and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was subjected to prolonged physical and psychological torture before being moved to Ward 8 of Evin Prison. In January, Amnesty International issued an official statement calling for an immediate halt to the executions of political prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani. In its statement, Amnesty said the prisoners had been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment following their arrest—including prolonged solitary confinement—to force confessions, and that their trial in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court had been grossly unfair.

A New Wave of Protests Over Water and Power Shortages from Nishapur to Amol and Anar

Hoshang Amiri
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A New Wave of Protests Over Water and Power Shortages from Nishapur to Amol and Anar
In recent days, as environmental, livelihood, and infrastructure crises—especially water shortages—have intensified across the country, a wave of popular protests has swept through Iran. The failure to address people’s most basic needs has once again turned the streets into scenes of angry outcries. On Wednesday, July 25, residents of the village of Barzanun near Nishapur blocked the main road in protest against the ongoing water cuts. Villagers say the water crisis has paralyzed daily life, destroyed agricultural crops, killed livestock, and left people without enough drinking water. The complete indifference of officials to this situation has been the main trigger behind the eruption of these protests.
Protests Over Water Shortages in Iran
In the city of Baladeh, part of the Amol region in northern Iran, another protest was held in response to two fatal accidents caused by mining operations. Protesters, chanting “No to Mines,” expressed their anger over environmental insecurity and the loss of lives due to the incompetence of officials. They demanded an immediate halt to all mining activities in this mountainous area. In the city of Anar, dozens of residents gathered in front of the local electricity department on the evening of July 22 to protest repeated power outages and the resulting damages. Citizens sarcastically questioned local officials, asking what kind of amenities their families enjoy during blackouts—while ordinary people are left to suffer in the heat, darkness, and face damage to electrical appliances. It is worth noting that in recent days, the city of Sabzevar has also witnessed widespread protests for several consecutive days over water and power outages. People blocked streets and gathered in front of the governor’s office, chanting slogans such as “We have no water, no power—Governor, are you asleep?” The use of tear gas against protesters not only failed to disperse them but also further fueled public anger. Sabzevar has now become a symbol of protest against discrimination and the regime’s incompetence in managing essential resources. These protests clearly reflect the widespread social discontent over the regime’s inability and irresponsibility in providing the most basic needs—from access to drinking water and electricity to the protection of lives from industrial exploitation and environmental destruction. As the country stands on the brink of a hotter-than-ever summer, the people—standing against oppression and incompetence—are entering a new phase of social upheaval.

European Troika: We Are Ready to Activate the Snapback Mechanism

Jubin Katiraie
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European Troika: We Are Ready to Activate the Snapback Mechanism
The nuclear talks between Germany, France, and the United Kingdom with Iran held in Istanbul yielded no tangible results. The European Troika threatened that if Iran does not comply with its nuclear commitments, they are prepared to activate the snapback mechanism provisioned in the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. On the evening of July 25, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France announced that if Iran fails to meet specific commitments regarding its nuclear program, they are ready to trigger the automatic reimposition of sanctions.
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Germany’s Foreign Ministry published the joint statement of the European Troika on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The statement declared that the European Troika is prepared to activate the snapback mechanism for reimposing sanctions. However, if Iran abides by its legal obligations and meets specific criteria, the deadline for reimposing international sanctions will be extended. The three European countries, which are parties to the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), called on Iran to “choose the path of diplomacy.”

European Demands from Iran

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom also called for the resumption of inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of Iran’s nuclear program. They are also demanding information about the whereabouts of approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium. Nevertheless, Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi, deputy foreign ministers of Iran’s regime, stated after the nuclear talks in Istanbul that the European parties had agreed to continue the negotiations. However, they made no comment on the European trio’s specific demands.

Where Is the 400 Kilograms of Highly Enriched Uranium?

One of the key demands of the European countries is to receive information about the storage location of approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium. Since the U.S. attack on Iran’s regime nuclear facilities, the whereabouts of these materials have remained unclear. Iran’s regime has so far provided no information regarding the disappearance or transfer of its enriched uranium.

Grossi: IAEA Inspectors Will Return to Iran

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed optimism that IAEA inspectors will be able to return to Iran by the end of this year. Speaking to reporters, Grossi emphasized the importance of discussing the details of resuming inspections with Tehran now. Grossi has called on Iran to provide transparency about its nuclear program. On Friday, while nuclear negotiations between Iran and the European Troika were taking place, the IAEA Director General stated that Iran’s regime has consistently lacked transparency regarding its nuclear program and has, at times, violated provisions of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
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