THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 12:30 PM CET
NCRI Supporter Honored with Italy’s 2025 Brave Women Award
Azar Karimi, spokesperson for the Iranian Youth Association in Italy and a supporter of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, has been awarded the 2025 Brave Women Award by the Italian Parliament. The award ceremony took place on Monday, March 3, at the Italian Parliament, where Karimi was recognized for her advocacy in support of Iranian women’s fight for freedom.
The award, presented by Fabio Rampelli, Vice President of the Italian Parliament, is annually given to women who have made significant contributions in areas such as solidarity, social work, sports, defense, research, and civic activism. During his opening remarks, Rampelli emphasized that the recipients have demonstrated remarkable resilience and become inspirational figures in their respective fields.
During her acceptance speech, Karimi recounted her upbringing in a politically active family that was forced to flee Iran due to their opposition to the clerical regime. She highlighted the ongoing struggle of Iranian women against systematic oppression since the 1979 revolution. “Iranian women have never surrendered. They have been at the forefront of protests, from demonstrations against compulsory hijab in 1979 to the more recent uprisings of 2017 and 2022,” she stated.
Karimi also praised the role of “Resistance Units” in Iran, particularly the contributions of women in organizing protests, exposing regime crimes, and continuing the fight against dictatorship. “Iranian women are not just fighting for their own rights; they are leading the struggle for the freedom of an entire nation,” she added.
Before concluding, Karimi referenced a message from Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, urging people to share the stories of Iranian resistance fighters who have risked everything for the cause of freedom and equality. Karimi dedicated her award to the courageous women of Iran’s Resistance Units, affirming their pivotal role in the ongoing fight for democracy and human rights.
Other recipients of the 2025 Brave Women Award included medical professionals, law enforcement officers, and activists who have demonstrated outstanding dedication in their respective fields.
UPDATE: 11:30 AM CET
Sanctions Are Tangling, Not Stopping, China’s Iran Oil Trade
Successive rounds of sanctions on companies and tankers said to be aiding Tehran are finally slowing the flow of Iranian oil to China, as costs rise and more traders are compelled to engage in risky efforts to circumvent US measures.
In recent weeks, shipments have been disrupted by a spate of seller defaults, according to executives at Chinese private refineries, the buyers of most of Tehran’s cargoes. While they said no specific reason was provided, they blamed logistical challenges and higher expenses snarling the supply chain.
US Terminates Sanctions Waver for Iraq to Purchase Gas, Electricity from Iran
US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz informed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani in a phone call Sunday that Washington has decided to end a crucial sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to purchase gas and electricity from Iran.
Waltz described the decision as part of President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy aimed at reducing Iraq’s dependence on Iranian energy sources, according to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office.
“The decision to end the waiver for Iranian-supplied (gas and) electricity aligns with the Maximum Pressure Policy, emphasizing the need for bilateral coordination to mitigate any potential impact on Iraq’s stability,” Waltz said in the phone call, according to the press office.
UPDATE: 9:00 AM CET
Khamenei Rejects Negotiations with The U.S.
On the afternoon of March 8, 2025, Iranian regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei publicly responded to the U.S. president’s letter proposing negotiations, which had been publicized the day before. And Khamenei rejected it.
Khamenei said: “Some bullying governments insist on negotiations. Their negotiations are not to solve issues but to dictate. For them, negotiation is a way to present new demands; the issue is not just the nuclear issue that they are now talking about. They raise new demands that Iran will certainly not meet.”
He defined the new demands in the proposed negotiations as “the country’s defense capabilities” (i.e., the regime’s missile program) and “the country’s international capabilities” (i.e., the regime’s proxy forces and its efforts to export terrorism and fundamentalism), adding: They say, “Don’t do this, don’t see so-and-so, don’t go there, don’t produce that, your missile’s range should not be more than that. Negotiation is for these things.”
Thousands Took Streets in Washington DC “Called Regime Change in Iran
Thousands of Iranian Americans, human rights activists, and supporters gathered in Washington, D.C., on Saturday for the “Free Iran Rally.”
Organized by the Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC), the demonstration began at 1 p.m. at the Capitol Reflecting Pool, followed by a march to the White House at 2:30 p.m.
The rally took place amid growing calls for regime change in Iran.
The OIAC urged the U.S. government to fully enforce its maximum pressure policies and recognize the Iranian people’s right to overthrow the regime—a cause supported by H. Res. 166 and over 150 bipartisan lawmakers.
U.S. White House Warns Iran Regime: Military Action or Negotiation
The U.S. White House has once again warned the Iran regime that it faces two choices: military confrontation or a negotiated settlement over its nuclear program. The warning came just hours after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected a U.S. proposal for direct talks. White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes reaffirmed the administration’s position on March 9, stating: “We hope the Iran regime puts its people and best interests ahead of terror.”
He echoed U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance that military action remains an option: “If we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing.”
Iranian Regime Officials Purchase Commercial and Residential Properties in Dubai and Spain with Stolen Money
While the Iranian people are grappling with severe economic hardships, soaring inflation, and livelihood challenges, cases such as the “Debsh Tea” scandal once again expose the widespread and systemic corruption within the Iranian regime.
Between 2019 and 2022, Debsh Agro-Industrial Group received a total of $3.37 billion in foreign currency for the import of tea and machinery, of which $1.472 billion was allocated as government-subsidized foreign exchange.
On Sunday, March 9, the Iranian regime’s judiciary news agency reviewed the details of this case, whose final verdict was issued on March 3. According to this report, the court ruling on the Debsh Tea case reveals that the foreign currency obtained in this case was used to purchase commercial and residential properties in Dubai and Spain.
The Dollar and Gold Become More Expensive in Iran Following Ali Khamenei’s Belligerent Remarks
One day after Ali Khamenei’s belligerent remarks regarding negotiations with the United States, the price of one US dollar in the Iranian market exceeded 950,000 rials on Sunday, March 9, and the price of one gold coin approached 790 million rials (approximately $831).
On Saturday, March 8, in a meeting with several officials,Khamenei, the leader of the Iranian regime, referred to the possible negotiations with the United States, saying that their goal is to “raise new demands,” and these expectations “will definitely not be met by Iran.”
According to the Nosan website, which tracks the fluctuations of foreign currency and gold coin rates in the Iranian market, the price of one US dollar remittance reached 952,400 rials on Sunday.
The Prevalence of Smuggled Goods in Iran’s Market
Mostafa Pourdehghan , a member of the Iranian regime’s Majlis (parliament) Industry and Mining Commission, stated on Sunday, March 9, that the unrestricted availability of smuggled goods in the market proves this policy to be unsuccessful and in need of revision.
According to the state-run ILNA news agency, Pourdehghan criticized the current market situation, stating: “Smuggled household appliances are freely sold while official imports are banned. This situation has led to capital outflow and has made monitoring the quality and pricing of goods more difficult.”
Pourdehghan warned that support for domestic production should not be permanent, and if this trend is not corrected, the Majlis will reconsider the import ban policy.
Insider Report on Vakil Abad Prison – Part 3
Vakil Abad Prison in Mashhad is one of Iran’s most notorious prisons for human rights violations. One of its wards houses numerous political and religious prisoners, as well as members of religious minorities, who endure inhumane conditions and extensive repression. Among these prisoners, Sunni Muslims are among the most vulnerable, facing systematic discrimination, deprivation of basic rights, torture, and even extrajudicial executions. This report examines the situation of these prisoners and provides documented cases of violations of rights against them.
1. Religious Discrimination and Systematic Repression
Sunni prisoners in Vakil Abad Prison are subjected to severe repression:
- Congregational prayers and other Sunni religious ceremonies are strictly prohibited, and any religious activity is met with security crackdowns.
- Some prisoners have reported being tortured and placed in solitary confinement for resisting pressure to change their faith.
March 8: A Day to Honor Iran’s Brave and Fallen Women
March 8 is recognized globally as International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the struggles of marginalized women around the world. Each year, grand ceremonies are held in many countries to commemorate this significant day and to advocate for women’s rights and freedoms. However, for Iranian women, this year’s International Women’s Day carries a deeper and more profound meaning.
Iranian women played a pivotal role in the victorious uprising that began on September 16, 2022. Over six months of protests, Iranian women and girls stood at the forefront, raising their voices, clenching their fists, chanting slogans, and enduring bullets. Many lost their eyesight, were imprisoned, tortured, and even subjected to sexual violence. Yet, despite the brutal repression, they remained unwavering in their pursuit of freedom.
Cologne Rally on International Women’s Day: Standing Against Executions and Supporting Iran’s Women’s Resistance
Cologne, Germany – March 8, 2025: Supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held a gathering in Cologne to mark International Women’s Day, drawing attention to the grave human rights violations and ongoing executions in Iran under the current regime. The gathering condemned the Iranian regime’s systematic oppression of women, its brutal execution practices, and gender-based discrimination imposed by the mullahs.
Melbourne Exhibition Sheds Light on Iran’s Human Rights Abuses, Honors Women’s Resistance on IWD 2025
Melbourne, Australia – On March 7, 2025, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held an exhibition to mark International Women’s Day, highlighting the ongoing human rights violations in Iran. The exhibition not only condemned the Iranian regime’s systematic oppression of women but also called for an end to execution sentences and gender-based discrimination enforced by the ruling mullahs.
#Melbourne Exhibition Sheds Light on #Iran’s Human Rights Abuses, Honors Women’s Resistance on IWD 2025 #InternationalWomensDay #StopExecutionsInIran #FreePoliticalPrisoners #FreeIran2025https://t.co/Malmd2h9nN
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) March 9, 2025
The event also served as a powerful show of solidarity with the ongoing Iranian Revolution, with a specific focus on the rising number of executions of political prisoners.
Sydney Exhibition Highlights Iran’s Human Rights Abuses, Amplifies Women’s Resistance on IWD 2025
Sydney, Australia – On March 8, 2025, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held an exhibition to mark International Women’s Day, highlighting the ongoing human rights violations in Iran. The exhibition not only condemned the Iranian regime’s systematic oppression of women but also called for an end to execution sentences and gender-based discrimination enforced by the ruling mullahs.
#Sydney Exhibition Highlights #Iran’s Human Rights Abuses, Amplifies Women’s Resistance on IWD 2025 #InternationalWomensDay #StopExecutionsInIran #FreePoliticalPrisoners #FreeIran2025https://t.co/C4scX1oJvI
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) March 9, 2025
The event also served as a powerful show of solidarity with the ongoing Iranian Revolution, with a specific focus on the rising number of executions of political prisoners.