U.S. Attack on Iranian Regime’s Nuclear FacilitiesIn a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Israeli army quoted its Chief of Staff calling Saeed Izadi’s death “one of the key turning points in the current war.” But what is known about Mohammad Saeed Izadi, one of the senior commanders of the IRGC Quds Force?
Mohammad Saeed Izadi, Quds Force Commander, Reportedly Killed in Israel Strikes Against Iran
On the morning of Saturday, June 21, Israeli Air Force targeted an apartment in a building in the Salarieh neighborhood of Qom. Reports indicate that the strike left at least two people dead.
A few hours later, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claimed that the target of the attack was Mohammad Saeed Izadi, commander of the Quds Force’s Palestine branch, who was known by the alias “Haj Ramadan.” On September 10, 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department designated him as “one of the leaders of terrorist groups.”
Iran’s regime has not yet confirmed or denied the news, but if Tehran confirms Izadi’s death, he would be the first IRGC commander killed in the ongoing conflict. Israel claims he was targeted due to his direct role in arming Hamas for its attack against Israel.
Yoav Gallant described Mohammad Saeed Izadi as the commander who “trained and armed the extremist group Hamas for the October 7, 2023, massacre,” and added that he was killed in the attack on “an apartment in the heart of Qom.”
U.S. Attack on Iranian Regime’s Nuclear Facilities
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the execution of “successful airstrikes” against three of the Iranian regime’s nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He stated that all U.S. aircraft had exited Iranian airspace.
On the evening of Saturday, June 21, Trump posted on X (formerly Twitter):
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2025Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 14 reported that during the attack on the Iranian regime’s nuclear facilities, U.S. and Israeli officials simultaneously observed live footage of the operation. This move has been described as a sign of what is being referred to as unprecedented and close coordination between the two countries. According to this report, the United States also carried out a deception operation aimed at catching the Iranian regime off guard both militarily and politically. The operation involved releasing fabricated reports about tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv, as well as misleading troop movements. The Israeli media outlet stated that the aim of these measures was to create confusion in the Iranian regime’s military and political decision-making processes ahead of the coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes. The United States used the 13.6-ton GBU-57A/B bomb, known as the “bunker buster,” in its strikes against the Iranian regime’s nuclear facilities. This marks the first reported operational use of this massive bomb. Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the largest political coalition opposing the Iranian regime, also stated in a message:
Now Khamenei must go
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) June 22, 2025
The #Iranian people welcome the end of the war and seek peace and freedom
Khamenei is responsible for an unpatriotic project that, in addition to costing countless lives, has cost the Iranian people at least two trillion dollars—and now, it has all gone up… pic.twitter.com/u310w3JVpG
UN Report: Iran’s Regime Guilty of Mass Executions and Repression
UN Secretary-General’s Report on Human Rights Violations by Iran’s Regime
According to a shocking report by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, presented on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Iran’s regime recorded one of the darkest human rights records in 2024 by executing at least 975 people. The report presents a horrifying picture of systematic human rights violations under the dictatorship of the Supreme Leader: from widespread and public executions to the brutal suppression of protesters, minorities, women, and journalists.
The United Nations, expressing deep concern, has called on the international community to hold the regime accountable for ending the cycle of violence and human rights violations through diplomatic pressure and targeted sanctions.
Wave of Executions, Gross Violation of the Right to Life
In 2024, Iran’s regime executed at least 975 people, marking a 17% increase compared to 2023 (834 executions), setting a horrifying record not seen since 2015. At least four of these executions were carried out publicly—an act that, according to international organizations, is a blatant violation of human dignity and human rights standards.Week 73 of “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign Spreads to 47 PrisonsAn analysis of the charges against those executed reveals non-transparent and unfair judicial procedures:
- 52% for drug-related offenses
- 43% for murder
- 2% for sexual offenses
- 3% for security-related charges, including espionage Human rights experts regard this range of accusations combined with the lack of fair trials as a sign of systematic violations of the right to life.
Women, Double Victims of the Regime’s Suppression
The UN report highlights a troubling rise in the execution of women in Iran. In 2024, at least 31 women were executed—a significant increase compared to 22 cases the previous year. Many of these women were convicted in cases involving domestic violence, forced marriage, or child marriage. Notably, nine women were executed for killing their husbands, despite clear evidence of prolonged domestic abuse. These cases starkly illustrate the regime’s gross violation of gender justice and its disregard for international standards of protection for women who are victims of violence.Repression of Protesters and Minorities, Systematic Discrimination
Iran’s regime continues its relentless crackdown on protesters, particularly those who took part in the nationwide uprisings following the killing of Mahsa Amini in 2022. The UN report confirms that several of those executed were convicted on charges related to these protests, despite the fact that the regime’s courts lacked the basic standards of fair trial. This has further heightened concerns about widespread human rights violations in Iran.Ethnic minorities have also been disproportionately subjected to harsh punishments:
- 108 of those executed were Baluch citizens
- 84 Kurdish prisoners were among those executed These figures clearly indicate the regime’s systematic and deliberate discrimination against ethnic minorities and serve as an alarm for the international community.
Arbitrary Arrests and Suppression of Free Expression
The UN report details a rise in arbitrary arrests, widespread use of torture in detention centers, and unfair trials. By intensifying restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, Iran’s regime has blatantly violated its international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In 2024, at least 125 journalists, including 40 women, faced prosecution, summons, or arrest due to their media activities and critical reporting.UN Call to Halt Executions
Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, presenting the report, called on Iran’s regime to immediately halt executions and uphold human rights. She also urged the international community to exert effective diplomatic pressure to stop human rights abuses in Iran, particularly executions and the crackdown on protesters. Nada Al-Nashif clearly stated that the continuation of mass executions, torture, arbitrary detentions, and severe restrictions on free expression paints a grim picture of the human rights situation in Iran—one that demands urgent intervention from the global community. The UN report, along with the outcry of the Iranian people and political prisoners in campaigns like “No to Executions,” underscores the depth of the human rights catastrophe in Iran. Widespread executions, repression of protesters, discrimination against minorities, and the crackdown on free expression have made the regime of the Supreme Leader one of the world’s most notorious violators of the Iranian people’s rights. The international community must help end this cycle of violence through diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, and support for the Iranian people’s demands for justice and freedom. Without decisive action, the human rights crisis in Iran will remain one of the most pressing challenges for the global community.Grossi Warns of Consequences of Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned at a UN Security Council session that recent Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities have heightened the risk of a radiological disaster, with potential consequences extending beyond Iran’s borders.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, stated in a prepared statement for the second session of the UN Security Council that Israel’s recent attacks on Iran’s regime’s nuclear sites have severely compromised nuclear safety and security in the country.
Iran’s Nuclear Power Dream: From Fantasy to RealityAccording to the agency’s report, on June 13, the main fuel enrichment facility at the Natanz site was targeted. Its electrical infrastructure and backup generators were destroyed. The main centrifuge hall was heavily damaged by bunker-busting bombs. Another part of the site, the pilot fuel enrichment facility, was completely destroyed at the surface level, and its underground sections suffered serious damage. At the Isfahan site, four buildings were damaged, including the central chemical laboratory, the uranium conversion facility, the Tehran reactor fuel production plant, and a uranium metal processing facility that was under construction. Grossi emphasized that although no increased radiation levels have been reported outside these facilities, chemical and radiological contamination has been detected within some of the sites, including Natanz, posing a risk to personnel.
Serious Threats in Bushehr and Tehran
According to Grossi, the most dangerous scenario involves the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which contains thousands of kilograms of nuclear material and remains operational. A direct attack on the facility or a disruption to its power supply could cause a reactor core meltdown and the release of large quantities of radioactive material. In Tehran, buildings used for the development and testing of advanced centrifuges were also targeted. At the Karaj workshop, two buildings associated with centrifuge component production were destroyed. Grossi warned that any attack on active nuclear facilities like Bushehr or the Tehran research reactor could have broad consequences for public health and the environment, potentially necessitating protective measures such as evacuation or the administration of stable iodine. Grossi stressed that the agency must urgently resume inspections of Iran’s facilities, especially given that over 400 kilograms of Iran’s uranium stockpile is enriched to 60%. He further warned that any efforts by Iran to safeguard its nuclear materials and equipment must comply with its safeguard’s commitments, and IAEA inspectors must be allowed to verify their integrity and condition. Grossi also reminded Iran of its responsibility to ensure the safety of inspectors and called on the regime to maintain communication channels with the agency’s inspection teams. He concluded by stating that the agency stands ready to dispatch its nuclear safety and security experts to Iran and play its vital role in preventing a crisis. He emphasized that a diplomatic solution is still possible and must not be missed.Day 9: June 21, 2025 – Iran–Israel Strikes Intensify Amid Faltering Nuclear Talks
Day 9: Saturday, June 21, 2025
• Israeli Military: Announced the killing of the regime IRGC Aerospace Force’s second drone unit commander in an airstrike, who directed hundreds of drone launches from Ahvaz toward Israel. Since Mohammad Bagher Taherpour’s death in last week’s Israeli attack, this commander played a pivotal role in drone operations.
• Times of Israel: Reported explosions in central Israel after sirens, unclear if caused by missile interceptions or impacts.
• CNN: Reported a fire in a Holon building near Tel Aviv’s business district, caused by shrapnel from downed Iranian missiles, following Iran’s state TV claim of an 18th missile wave.
• Israeli Military: Intercepted a “suspicious aerial target” near Ghajar by Lebanon after a drone sighting, origin unspecified.
• Morteza Heydari, Qom Provincial Crisis Management: Reported two killed, four injured in an Israeli attack on a Qom residential building, up from one teenager killed and two injured.
War, internet blackout, anxiety; connection with Iran has been severed• Tasnim News Agency and Eghtesad News: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Istanbul for an Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting to discuss Israel’s attacks, proposed by the regime, after meeting UK, French, and German ministers in Geneva. • Israeli Military and Eyal Zamir: Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Zamir said preparations for Iran attacks began years ago, intensified secretly in recent months, enabled by “operational and strategic conditions.” Delaying risked disadvantage. • Gideon Saar, Bild Interview, Time: Israeli Foreign Minister said attacks on nuclear/military sites and killing of Iranian commanders/scientists delayed Iran’s nuclear bomb by 2–3 years, per assessments. Regime change not a goal “so far.” • Tulsi Gabbard: US Director of National Intelligence said Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in weeks, accusing media of distorting her March Senate testimony denying Iran’s weapon development. Trump twice contradicted her. Iran insists its program is peaceful. • CBS News: Cited US/European diplomats on secret talks about Iran’s next leader, questioning nuclear facility security and attack consequences for allies, as Trump gave Iran two weeks to respond to US nuclear proposals. • David Petraeus: Former CENTCOM commander said US ships in the region aim to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz. • Akbar Salehi, Isfahan Deputy Governor: Confirmed Israeli attack on Isfahan nuclear site, denying hazardous material leakage. Israel also targeted Lenjan, Mobarakeh, Shahreza, and Isfahan city areas, with no casualties. Casualty and Damage Summary (as of June 21, 2025) • Israel: 30 killed (28 prior + 2 in Qom attack, Iranian media), 906+ injured (886 prior + 20 in Bat Yam/Judean Foothills, BBC), (New York Times, Sky News citing AFP, AP, Israeli emergency services, Channel 12, Yedioth Ahronoth, Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera, BBC, Iranian media); 99 buildings damaged (98 prior + 1 in Holon, CNN), 22 at risk of collapse, 20 vehicles burned in Tel Aviv, Soroka Hospital in Beersheba heavily damaged, Tel Aviv residential skyscraper, buildings in Ramat Gan, Holon, Beersheba (near Microsoft building, apartment complex, one destroyed), Haifa (port, mosque, school), Bat Yam (10-story block), Tamra, Rishon LeZion, and Petah Tikva affected; Beersheba north train station closed; ~4,000 civilians displaced (Sky News). • Iran: 590 killed (588 prior + 2 IRGC commanders, Israeli military), 4,130 injured (4,126 prior + 4 in Qom, Iranian media); additional 26 killed in Borujerd/Khorramabad, 6 IRGC and 2 Basijis in Khmin, 2 at Tabriz’s Second Fighter Base, 30 senior military commanders, several IRGC in Bostanabad (Basij Student News Agency, Fars Telegram, IRGC Telegram, Israeli Military, IRGC). Notable Damage • Israel: Central power grid, Nevatim Airbase, Haifa ammonia plant, power station, Soroka Hospital, Haifa port, and mosque damaged. • Iran: Tehran’s Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, IRIB building (reignited fire), Khabar Network studio, oil/gas facilities, residential areas, Bagheri Chitgar, Iran Mall, western, northeastern, eastern, District 3, Lavasan, Nobonyad, Yousefabad, Gisha (apartment hit), and Qom (residential building) Tehran locations, Kermanshah missile facility, Esfahan’s fighter base, Alavijeh Industrial Town, Imam Hussein University, Hakimiyeh in Tehranpars, Natanz enrichment halls (one destroyed, one damaged), Mehrabad Airport, Payam Airport area, Tehran Refinery, Parchin facilities, Khajir missile complex, IRGC-affiliated university, internal security agency headquarters, police information center, special police unit headquarters, Tehran hospital, Khondab heavy water facility (distillation unit damaged, IAEA), nuclear research complex, Sepand Organization, Bostanabad IRGC base, Rasht’s Sepidrud Industrial Town (explosion and fire), Shiraz IRGC barracks/ammunition depot, Fardis (Alborz) military base, Karaj Basij domain, and sites in Tabriz, Shiraz, Parand, Mehrshahr, Karaj, Lavasan, Isfahan (nuclear site, Lenjan, Mobarakeh, Shahreza), Kashan, Mallard, Kahrizak, Ahvaz, Zanjan, Qom, and Ahvaz’s Kianabad/Kianpars targeted; Isfahan nuclear-related facilities, Kashan checkpoint, and Arak heavy water facility (near Khondab) damaged; internet blackout for 72 hours (NetBlocks).
War, internet blackout, anxiety; connection with Iran has been severed
The widespread internet blackout in Iran has eliminated the ability to communicate with people inside the country. In such a situation, accurate information about the condition of citizens amid wartime circumstances is not being published, and the regime’s narratives are not considered reliable by the public.
Since Thursday, June 19, internet access in Iran has been effectively cut off entirely, eliminating the possibility of independent reporting on the current situation by journalists and citizen-reporters.
Day 7: Escalation on June 19, 2025 – Israel-Iran Conflict IntensifiesSince Thursday, the internet has been almost completely cut off across Iran. This is not merely a technical disruption but a deliberate and organized act by Iran’s regime. While Iran’s regime has not even sounded air raid sirens for its citizens, it has resorted to a total internet shutdown—the only remaining tool for communication, spreading awareness, and even saving lives. On the other hand, Iranians living abroad now face serious obstacles in communicating with their families inside the country, and the ongoing wartime conditions have intensified the psychological distress caused by this disconnection. Internet restrictions in Iran became more severe starting Tuesday, June 17. While FATA Police (a cybercrime and morality enforcement unit) claimed that the disruption was due to “cyberattacks,” many social media users believe that Iran’s regime has deliberately restricted citizens’ access to the open internet to prevent the dissemination and spread of accurate information about recent developments.
Internet Censorship in Iran Has Turned Into a Billion-Dollar Business For State ActorsIran’s regime has previously used internet blackouts as a tool for suppression. During the November 2019 protests, which resulted in the killing of more than 1,500 people, access to the global internet in Iran was completely shut down for several days. Likewise, during the nationwide uprising of 2022, many parts of the country experienced internet shutdowns or severe restrictions at various times.
Day 7: Escalation on June 19, 2025 – Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies
Day 7: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Regime’s Mehr News Agency, 3:30 AM: Iranian defense forces began operations in central Tehran, with reports of explosions in Isfahan, Kashan, Mallard, and Karaj.
Israeli Military, Wednesday Evening: 60 Israeli Air Force jets bombed over 20 military targets in Tehran, including weapons production, centrifuge manufacturing, and nuclear R&D centers aimed at accelerating uranium enrichment beyond civilian needs.
Bloomberg, Thursday Morning: Senior U.S. officials are preparing for a potential attack on Iran in the coming days, possibly Saturday or Sunday, though plans may change. The Wall Street Journal reported Trump approved but postponed an attack, pending Iran’s possible halt to its nuclear program.
Iranian Reports, 6:00 AM: Israeli Air Force attacked the area near Khondab’s “Martyrs of Khondab” heavy water facility with two projectiles; defenses repelled others. No casualties or radiation risks were reported due to prior evacuation. ISNA reported an explosion near Khondab.
Widespread Disruptions and Shortages Across Iran Amid Ongoing Israeli StrikesIsraeli Military, 4:30 AM Tehran Time: Issued an evacuation warning for a two-kilometer radius around the Arak heavy water facility, planning to strike military infrastructure, accompanied by a satellite image marking the target. Iranian TV: Reported two Israeli missiles hit the Arak heavy water facility, with no casualties or contamination due to prior safety measures and evacuation. Regime’s Tasnim and Fars News Agencies, Early Thursday Morning: Iran launched a new wave of missile attacks on Israel, targeting the Israeli army’s command and intelligence headquarters and Gav-Yam tech park, not Soroka Hospital. Explosions reported in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Modi’in. Israeli Reports, Early Thursday Morning: An Iranian missile struck Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, causing extensive damage and injuring several people, with 30 total injuries (3 critical) across Holon and Ramat Gan. Buildings in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon were also damaged. Al Jazeera, Early Thursday Morning: Loud explosions heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; Israeli media reported at least four missiles hit locations in Israel. Israel’s Channel 12: Reported 20 missiles in the Thursday attack, noting fewer missiles and no casualties in Iran’s attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, allowing Israel to reopen shopping centers and offices. Israeli Military: Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem due to Iranian missiles, with Israel’s defense system intercepting most. Israel claims it reduced Iran’s missile launch capacity by 40% by targeting systems in Ilam, Kurdistan, East/West Azerbaijan, and Kermanshah. Regime’s Tasnim News Agency: Iran claimed it fired advanced ballistic missiles capable of faster travel to Israel, a capability held by few countries. Israeli Military Spokesman Avichay Adraei: Israel killed Yassin Abdel Moneim Izzeddine, a Hezbollah artillery commander, who was rebuilding artillery in Lebanon. Hezbollah has not confirmed. Ayatollah Sistani: Condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran, warning that targeting Iran’s leadership would violate moral and international standards, risking regional chaos. He urged global and Islamic governments to stop the war and seek a peaceful, law-based solution to Iran’s nuclear issue. Axios, Citing U.S. Officials: Trump requested data on attacking Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility with bunker-busting bombs, seeking assurance it’s necessary, effective, and won’t prolong U.S. involvement. Pentagon officials are confident, but Trump remains undecided. Israeli officials believe they could damage Fordow independently, possibly with ground forces. ABC News, Citing Informed Source: Trump is increasingly open to multiple strikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, with preparations underway. Sparrowhawk Hacking Group: Stole over $90 million from Iran’s largest cryptocurrency company, transferring the funds to an irretrievable location to send a message. Casualty and Damage Summary (as of June 19, 2025, 08:11 AM CEST) Israel: 24 killed, 630+ injured (600+ prior + 30 from missile attacks, including 3 critical in Holon and Ramat Gan) (New York Times, Sky News citing AFP, Israeli reports); 80 buildings damaged in Bat Yam, 22 at risk of collapse, 20 vehicles burned in a Tel Aviv parking lot, Soroka Hospital in Beersheba heavily damaged, buildings in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon affected (Chand Sanieh citing Channel 12, Israeli reports). Iran: 639 killed, 1,329 injured; additional 26 killed in Borujerd/Khorramabad, 6 IRGC and 2 Basijis in Khmin, 2 at Tabriz’s Second Fighter Base (Basij Student News Agency, Fars Telegram, IRGC Telegram). Notable Damage: Israel’s central power grid, Nevatim Airbase, Haifa ammonia plant, power station, and Soroka Hospital damaged; Tehran’s Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, IRIB building (reignited fire), Khabar Network studio, oil/gas facilities, residential areas, Bagheri Chitgar, Iran Mall, western, northeastern, eastern, and District 3 Tehran locations, Kermanshah missile facility, Esfahan’s fighter base, Alavijeh Industrial Town, Imam Hussein University, Hakimiyeh in Tehranpars, Natanz enrichment halls (one destroyed, one damaged), Mehrabad Airport, Payam Airport area, Tehran Refinery, Parchin facilities, Khajir missile complex, IRGC-affiliated university, internal security agency headquarters, and Arak heavy water facility hit; sites in Tabriz, Shiraz, Parand, Mehrshahr, Karaj, Lavasan, Isfahan, Kashan, Mallard, and Ahvaz’s Kianabad/Kianpars targeted; Isfahan nuclear-related facilities and Kashan checkpoint damaged.
Widespread Disruptions and Shortages Across Iran Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes
In the wake of Israeli attacks, disruptions reported in banks, internet, water supply, and shortages of gasoline and bread
On the seventh day of Israeli strikes targeting the Iranian regime’s positions, several citizens reported widespread problems across the country, including disruptions in the banking system, total or severe internet outages, water cuts, and shortages of gasoline and bread in some cities.
Additionally, yesterday the state-run television was hacked, broadcasting footage of past uprisings by the Iranian people. In these videos, people were urged to rise up for their freedom and overthrow Iran’s regime.
Day 6: Escalating Strikes and Missile Barrages Push Israel-Iran Conflict to New HeightsOn Tuesday, June 17, a large number of citizens reported that Sepah Bank had become entirely inaccessible, with all online access to accounts disabled. At the same time, the hacker group “Predatory Sparrow” released a statement taking responsibility for the cyberattack, stating: “In a cyber operation, we have destroyed all data of Sepah Bank.” This group had previously carried out a cyberattack on fuel stations in various cities in December 2023, which resulted in a complete halt to fuel distribution operations for vehicles. Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), confirmed the cyberattack on Sepah Bank’s infrastructure and stated that since this bank supports fuel stations, disruptions may occur at gas stations in the coming hours. Citizen reports indicate that banking issues in Iran are not limited to Sepah Bank. According to citizen reports, online gold trading has also been deactivated for the past two days, and people’s funds have been blocked, making it impossible to either buy or sell gold. Reports from various cities across Iran indicate that internet access is either completely cut off or severely disrupted and slow for much of the day. Home and mobile internet in Tehran has significantly weakened and is being disconnected repeatedly.
Movement Restrictions and Fuel Shortages
On the seventh day since the start of the war, due to the regime’s inefficiency and incompetence, the problems and restrictions facing citizens are increasing. According to a notice issued by the security office of Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, student entry into the university is prohibited until further notice, even for those with prior authorization. Amirkabir University’s student newsletter also reported on June 17 that an emergency evacuation and state of alert had been declared at the university. Fuel distribution in several cities in Iran has faced disruptions since the first day of Israeli attacks, and reports indicate fuel station lines stretching several kilometers.Disruptions to Daily Life
In addition to these issues, some citizens have reported problems including power and water outages, shortages of bread, food items, and gasoline, as well as movement restrictions. Videos shared on social media show that on Tuesday, June 17, water was being distributed by tanker trucks in Niavaran, a neighborhood in northern Tehran. Reports indicate that some areas of Mashhad are facing severe shortages of cooking oil and sugar, and canned food is being rationed, limited to two per person. The crisis of food shortages, internet outages, and long lines at fuel stations is the result of four decades of corruption, cronyism, and chronic repression within the economic structure of Iran’s regime. The regime’s ineffective response highlights the severe fragility of its economic infrastructure and its inability to manage crises. People in many provinces—especially Tehran, Gilan, and Mazandaran—are struggling to obtain bread and facing long queues and flour shortages. Despite these reports, the Tehran Chamber of Guilds denied any shortages and announced that a central headquarters has been established for distributing and supplying essential goods in the market. Iran’s Chamber of Guilds added: “Regarding the supply of necessary oil and rice in the market, we are coordinating and following up with the Ministry of Agriculture.”Maryam Rajavi Addresses European Parliament: Calls for Regime Change Led by the Iranian People
Strasbourg, June 18, 2025 — In a speech before members of the European Parliament, Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), reaffirmed her call for a democratic transition in Iran, emphasizing that true peace and stability in the region depend on “regime change by the people of Iran and the organized Resistance.”
Returning to Strasbourg seven months after her previous address, Mrs. Rajavi warned that the Iranian regime now faces a growing “crisis of overthrow.” She cautioned that ongoing Western appeasement policies have only deepened instability, pointing to the war that began on June 13 as a critical inflection point. “We see that appeasement has indeed led to the imposition of war,” she stated.
Reiterating her long-advocated “third option,” Mrs. Rajavi urged European lawmakers to reject both military intervention and continued negotiations. “Neither appeasement nor war,” she said, “but regime change at the hands of the Iranian people and their organized, legitimate, and just Resistance.”
She condemned the West’s ongoing engagement with the Iranian regime, describing it as irredeemably violent and incapable of reform. “A viper never gives birth to a dove,” she said, underscoring the regime’s relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Mrs. Rajavi reminded the Parliament of the NCRI’s role in exposing Iran’s clandestine nuclear activities in 2002 — a revelation that, she noted, was acknowledged by U.S. officials at the time. “Otherwise,” she said, “the regime would have built its nuclear bombs in secrecy.”
Despite these revelations, the NCRI was blacklisted for years, she recalled, while Tehran’s malign behavior continued. “What we have always wanted is to resist — just as you Europeans once did — against religious fascism,” she told the lawmakers. “We only ask that this Resistance be recognized.”
Turning to human rights abuses inside Iran, Mrs. Rajavi cited over 1,350 executions since August 2024, noting that Iran holds the world’s highest execution rate per capita. “Western governments and media have largely ignored this grim reality,” she remarked.
She highlighted ongoing unrest, pointing to more than 3,000 operations by PMOI-led Resistance Units in the past year. “Nowhere in the world are protests and resistance for change as widespread and persistent as in Iran,” she said.
Mrs. Rajavi also renewed calls for the European Union to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, describing it as a core instrument of internal repression. She acknowledged that the European Parliament has passed multiple resolutions condemning Iran’s rights violations but said these actions have yet to be matched by coherent EU policy.
Concluding her remarks, she called for official recognition of the Iranian people’s right to overthrow the current regime. Quoting NCRI founder Massoud Rajavi, she declared: “We will not return to the past, nor will we remain stuck in the present — the future will undoubtedly be realized. Yes, a democratic and free Iran.”
Mrs. Rajavi reaffirmed the NCRI’s vision of a democratic republic based on gender equality, ethnic inclusion, abolition of the death penalty, and a non-nuclear policy. She emphasized that a transitional government would transfer power to a freely elected constituent assembly within six months of the regime’s collapse.
“The people of Iran want the overthrow of this regime,” she concluded. “That is exactly why I am here today.”
Iranian Political Prisoner Ali Younesi Transferred from Evin Prison to an Unknown Location
Aida Younesi, sister of Ali Younesi—a top student at Sharif University and a political prisoner—announced on her X account today, Wednesday, June 18, that agents of the Ministry of Intelligence forcibly abducted her brother from Ward 4 of Evin Prison and transferred him to an unknown location.
She expressed deep concern, writing: “My mother is having seizures from worry. We don’t know where they have taken Ali.”
Aida described this act as “shamelessness” and a sign of the regime’s “rage and resentment” toward political prisoners.
Ali Younesi, a gold medalist in the International Astronomy Olympiad and a computer engineering student at Sharif University, was arrested in March 2020 along with Amir Hossein Moradi on charges of “links with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK)” and “spreading corruption on Earth.” In 2022, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
The two students have repeatedly been subjected to physical and psychological torture, including beatings and threats of execution, in an attempt to force them into making false confessions.
