THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 11:00 AM CET
Lebanon Extends Suspension of Iranian Flights
BEIRUT: Lebanese authorities said on Monday they had extended the suspension of inbound and outbound flights to Iran indefinitely, after originally barring Iranian planes from landing in Beirut until Feb 18.
Authorities have decided to “mandate the Minister of Public Works and Transport to extend the suspension period of flights to and from Iran,” Lebanese presidency spokeswoman Najat Charafeddine told reporters, without specifying when flights would resume.
Last week, Lebanon had denied permission for two Iranian flights to land in Beirut. The ban came after the United States, which helped broker a Nov 27 Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire, warned Israel might shoot the planes down, a Lebanese security source said earlier. Israel has on several occasions accused Hezbollah of using the airport in Beirut to bring in weapons from Iran. The group — and Lebanese leaders — have denied those allegations.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham: Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Are a Global Threat
During a press conference on February 17, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized that discussions during his visit to the region were overwhelmingly focused on the Iranian regime. Graham warned that the Iranian regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons presents a severe threat to global stability, particularly given its aggressive regional policies and longstanding hostility toward Western nations.
“Iran with a nuke is a nightmare for the world,” Graham stated, underscoring concerns that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions would trigger an arms race in the Middle East. “Every decision I make as a senator in this region is to make sure their nuclear ambitions are never met,” he added.
The South Carolina senator further warned that the Iranian regime is accelerating its nuclear program due to the recent setbacks suffered by its proxy forces. He asserted that time is not on the side of those seeking to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and stressed the need for decisive action. “They are accelerating in their desire to acquire nuclear capability because their proxies have been very seriously hurt,” he explained.
Graham dismissed the effectiveness of negotiations without a firm deadline, citing the “Libyan model” as the only viable framework to ensure Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions. However, he expressed skepticism over the likelihood of diplomatic success, comparing the chances of negotiating Iran out of its nuclear aspirations to his own prospects of playing in the NBA: “It’s possible, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
The senator’s remarks reflect a growing concern among U.S. lawmakers that Iran’s nuclear progress poses an existential threat. “One Holocaust is enough,” he stated, warning against underestimating the regime’s intentions.
Graham’s statements follow broader bipartisan concerns about Tehran’s destabilizing role in the region. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) echoed these sentiments, calling Iran “the head of the snake” and emphasizing the need for robust measures to counter its nuclear ambitions.
UPDATE: 6:30 AM CET
The Resistance Units: The Frontline of The Fight for Freedom in Iran
In the grand gathering of the Iranian Resistance held in Paris on February 10, 2025, many speakers, as well as the slogans and interviews of the participants, paid special attention to PMOI Resistance Units and their unique role and position in Iran’s current situation.
This special attention, as well as the political and social impacts of the gathering in Paris, necessitates the recognition and clarification of the position of the Resistance Units.
The common thread in all the attention and descriptions of the Resistance Units is the expression of the fact that a prominent feature of their work is paying the price of changing the conditions from stagnation and doubt to movement and hope and certainty.
The Murder of An Iranian Student and The Uprising of Tehran University
On Friday, February 14, 2025, students at the University of Tehran protested the brutal murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleqi, a graduate student in management. The protest, which began in the University of Tehran dormitory, quickly spread to the university and surrounding streets.
The protesting students chanted the following slogans of defiance against the regime, including “Students will die, but will not accept humiliation.” They also slammed regime officials who had facilitated the murder and were not taking action to investigate the murder with slogans such as “Incompetent official, resign, resign.” They also defied security forces who were sent to suppress the protests by chanting “Security, open the door,” and “Shame on you! Shame on you!” And they called on other students to join the protests with the slogan: “We don’t want spectators, join us.”
Iran’s Economic Crisis: Rising Prices, Declining Wages, and the Struggle for Survival
The skyrocketing cost of living in Iran has pushed many citizens to the brink, with online platforms now offering food staples like potatoes and onions on installment plans. A recent report by the Khabar Online website starkly illustrates the dire economic conditions affecting over 70% of Iran’s population. By the end of autumn, the poverty line had surpassed 40 million tomans per month in smaller cities and 50 million tomans in larger urban areas, while the average household income remained below 25 million tomans. The situation has worsened with the sharp depreciation of the rial, as the U.S. dollar surged by 30,000 tomans in just three months, triggering rampant inflation. Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed, further eroding the purchasing power of workers, employees, and retirees.
Hoda Mehreganfar and Her Father Detained in Limbo for 3.5 Months
Hoda Mehreganfar and her father, Mohammad Ali Mehreganfar, remain in a state of uncertainty more than three and a half months after their arrest.
On the morning of October 22, 2024, Hoda Mehreganfar, an electronics engineer, and her father, Mohammad Ali Mehreganfar, were arrested by Iranian intelligence forces. At around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, security agents stormed their home in Zarqan, a town in Fars Province, and took the 35-year-old Hoda and her 66-year-old father into custody without providing any warrant.
Following their arrest, Hoda and her father were transferred to Adelabad Prison in Shiraz. The uncertainty of their situation is a cause of concern for their family.
Continued Suspension of Iran-Lebanon Flights; Rising Tensions in Beirut
The Lebanese government has indefinitely extended the suspension of incoming and outgoing flights to and from Iran, a decision taken following a U.S. warning about the potential targeting of these flights by Israel.
On Monday, February 17, the Lebanese government announced the indefinite extension of the flight suspension. Previously, the restriction was set to last until February 18, but according to Najat Sharaf al-Din, the spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency, the ban will remain in place until further notice.
Without specifying a potential timeline for lifting the ban, Sharaf al-Din stated: “The Minister of Public Works and Transport has been tasked with extending the suspension of flights to and from Iran.”
Sharp Rise in Food Prices in Iran; Meat and Rice Lead the Surge
Red meat prices in Tehran’s market have risen significantly, with some items reaching unprecedented rates. According to the state-run news agency Eghtesad Online, the price of boneless lamb loin in Tehran stores has reached 10 million rials (approximately $11) per kilogram. Additionally, lamb fillet, priced at 18 million rials (approximately $19.5), has set a record as the most expensive cut of red meat.
Meanwhile, veal is also considered an expensive item, priced at 9.2 million rials (approximately $10) per kilogram. This is while online stores list prices significantly higher than those announced by the Sheep Meat Union.
Political Prisoner Ali Moezzi Transferred to Qezel-Hesar Prison Following Beating
According to informed sources, Ali Moezzi, a 71-year-old political prisoner, was suddenly transferred from Ward 4 of Evin Prison to Qezel-Hesar Prison on the morning of Saturday, February 15, 2025. Reports indicate that he was subjected to physical violence during the transfer. Moezzi, who suffers from multiple health issues, was forcibly relocated despite his critical medical condition. The exact location within Qezel-Hesar where he has been placed remains unknown.
Ali Moezzi has previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer, for which he underwent surgery. However, due to inadequate medical care in prison, his treatment remained incomplete, leading to a worsening of his condition. He also suffers from kidney problems, hearing loss, and severe knee arthritis. The lack of proper medical attention in Evin Prison exacerbated his pain and suffering.
Pezeshkian’s Unfulfilled Promises: from Inflation to Energy Shortages
Six months after Pezeshkian’s administration’s inauguration, assessments indicate that the government has failed to deliver on its promises.
The current state of Iranian society is evident and needs little explanation. Inflation and the cost of living have surged, foreign exchange rates have risen, and the national currency has devalued significantly. In foreign policy, there have been no tangible achievements. The energy sector, including electricity and gas, remains in crisis, with the country facing frequent blackouts and shortages.
Sydney, Australia – February 15, 2025: MEK Supporters Hold Public Exhibition to Condemn Iran’s Human Rights Violations
Sydney, Australia – February 15, 2025: Supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized an exhibition to show solidarity with the Iranian Revolution and denounce the regime’s escalating use of executions as a tool of oppression.
#Sydney, #Australia – February 15, 2025: MEK Supporters Hold Public Exhibition to Condemn #Iran’s #HumanRightsViolations #StopExecutionsInIran #FreePoliticalPrisoners #FreeIran2025 https://t.co/toa6fy77cn
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) February 17, 2025
The event highlighted Iran’s worsening human rights abuses and condemned the death sentences imposed on political prisoners linked to the PMOI. MEK supporters in Sydney called for international tribunals to hold the regime’s leaders accountable for crimes against humanity.