THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 7:30 PM CET
Treasury Sanctions Network Supporting Iran’s Oil Exports
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating a “teapot” oil refinery and its chief executive officer for purchasing and refining hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian crude oil, including from vessels linked to the Foreign Terrorist Organization, Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, and the Iranian Ministry of Defense of Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
“Teapot refinery purchases of Iranian oil provide the primary economic lifeline for the Iranian regime, the world’s leading state sponsor of terror,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “The United States is committed to cutting off the revenue streams that enable Tehran’s continued financing of terrorism and development of its nuclear program.”
UPDATE: 10:30 AM CET
Trump Vindicated as Explosive Report Confirms Iran Supervises Houthi ‘Political and Military Affairs’
Following a year of significant setbacks in the Middle East for Iran with its proxy forces flagging in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria, Tehran is leaning on its influence over the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen to carry out its offensive aims.
According to findings obtained by sources embedded in Tehran who are affiliated with the Iranian resistance group called the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, not only are some of Iran’s most senior military officials in its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involved in Houthi decision-making, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has his thumb on the deadly group.
President Donald Trump’s recent threats against Tehran over its sponsorship of the Houthis are supported in the report, which claims well-placed sources have confirmed that one of the most senior commanders in the IRGC’s Quds Force – the elite branch of the Iranian military – is “directly commanding Houthi activities.”
UPDATE: 9:30 AM CET
US Strikes Hit Targets in Yemeni Capital, Houthi-Run TV Reports
CAIRO, March 19 (Reuters) – The United States struck targets in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa on Wednesday, Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported, the latest in a wave of strikes carried out in retaliation for attacks by the Iran-aligned group on shipping in the Red Sea.
Three residents told Reuters that the strikes had hit the Al-Jarraf district of Sanaa, close to the city’s airport.
The strikes also hit an under-construction occasions hall in a residential neighborhood in Al-Thawra directorate in Sanaa, injuring nine people, mostly women and children, Anees al-Asbahi, spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry said in a post on X.
CENTCOM continuous operations against Iran-back Houthi terrorists…#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/ppggVK1Jgg
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 18, 2025
Reward Offer for Information Disrupting Chinese Nationals Supplying Technology to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a Foreign Terrorist Organization
The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its various branches, including the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), which are designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The IRGC has financed numerous terrorist attacks and activities globally, including via its external proxies such as Hamas, Hizballah, and Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq. The IRGC funds its terrorist activities — in part — through sales of military equipment, including UAVs, or drones.
The following Chinese nationals have allegedly supported IRGC armaments production and sales through illegal procurement and delivery to Iran of U.S. export-controlled dual-use technology:
- Liu Baoxia (刘保霞, traditional characters: 劉保霞; also known as Emily Liu)
- Li Yongxin (李永欣, also known as Emma Lee)
- Yung Yiu Wa (耀華 容, also known as Stephen Yung)
- Zhong Yanlai (鐘硯來, also known as Sydney Chung)
Clear Risks That Sweden’s Security Situation Could Get Worse, Swedish Security Police Says
STOCKHOLM, March 11 (Reuters) – The security situation in Sweden is serious and there are clear risks that it can get worse, Sweden’s security police (SAPO) said on Tuesday in an annual report into threats facing the country.
Foreign powers are operating in ways that threaten security and they are using hybrid activities to destabilise Sweden and Europe, the report said.
Swedish authorities have fretted in recent years about increasing threats from both foreign powers like Russia, China and Iran and extremists groups engaging in actions ranging from violent attacks and hybrid warfare to corporate espionage.
UPDATE: 8:00 AM CET
PMOI Resistance Units Honor Mossadegh on Anniversary of Nationalization of Iran’s Oil Industry
On the anniversary of the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry, PMOI Resistance Units carried out a series of activities in various cities across the country to commemorate Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, the leader of the movement to nationalize Iran’s oil industry and the hero of Iran’s independence. In Tehran, Resistance Units projected a large image of Mohammad Mossadegh using a video projector on the Azadegan Highway, emphasizing the significance of his path and ideals. This act, conducted in one of the capital’s busiest areas, caught public attention and delivered a clear message of resistance and the ongoing fight for freedom.
Furthermore, in Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Karaj, and other cities, Resistance Units distributed flyers featuring Mohammad Mossadegh and Massoud Rajavi, the leader of the Iranian Resistance, reaffirming that Massoud Rajavi is the true heir to Mossadegh and the national leader of the Iranian people. These flyers not only honored Mossadegh but also emphasized the necessity of continuing his struggle against dictatorship.
Iran’s Rebellious Youth Mark Charshanbe Suri by Targeting Regime Centers
On Monday, March 17, Iran’s rebellious youth carried out 20 operations in 15 cities and 100 revolutionary acts in 29 cities, targeting the regime’s centers of suppression and symbols of dictatorship.
The rebellious youth, with the slogans “The only answer to the mullahs is fire, let the flames rise” and “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Supreme Leader,” targeted the enemy’s dragnet of repression as follows:
- Setting fire to three IRGC Basij bases in Dalahu, Kermanshah province
- Two incendiary at centers of fundamentalism, crime, and suppression of women in Tehran
- Setting fire to the headquarters of Khomeini Relief Committee in Tehran
- Setting fire to an IRGC Basij center in Kermanshah
- Attacking a regime center of looting and corruption in Shush
Iran’s Economic Outlook for 2025: A Crisis Deepens
Despite repeated promises from government officials, Iranians continue to grapple with worsening economic conditions. Experts warn that Iran faces an even more dire situation in 2025, marked by soaring inflation and an escalating energy crisis.
The first three months of 2025 have shown that Iran’s economy remains plagued by multiple crises, including the rapid depreciation of the national currency, a lack of investment, an inflation rate exceeding 35%, a severe decline in purchasing power, and an energy sector struggling with imbalances.
The regime’s Parliament Research Center has projected an even greater economic hardship, with reduced economic growth, rising inflation, and increasing poverty in 2025.
Dr. Mai Sato Reports to UN Human Rights Council: Surge in Executions, Suppression of Dissent, and Human Rights Violations in Iran
As part of the 58th annual session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, Mai Sato, presented her first report on the state of human rights in the country.
Her report highlighted alarming concerns, including an unprecedented rise in executions, intensified suppression of dissent, increased pressure on prisoners, discrimination against minorities, the continuation of oppressive policies, violence against women, and femicide, as well as the use of torture and sexual abuse against detainees. Forced confessions were also cited as a major concern.
New Global Democracy Report: Iran Ranked 147th Among 179 Countries
The V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden has released its latest global democracy report. According to this report, Iran ranks 147th out of 179 countries worldwide. In the Liberal Democracy Index (LDI) assessed in this report, Iran’s ranking remains unchanged at 147th among 179 countries. Among Iran’s neighbors, Qatar is ranked 150th, the United Arab Emirates 152nd, Azerbaijan 161st, Afghanistan 176th, Pakistan 116th, Iraq 111th, and Turkey 139th.
The Liberal Democracy Index (LDI) combines various elements of democracy and assesses the overall quality of liberal democracy in a country. This index particularly focuses on individual rights, civil liberties, judicial independence, and the rule of law, reflecting how these principles are incorporated into a country’s democratic institutions.
Arghavan Fallahi: Nearly Two Months of Detention with No News or Clarity
Arghavan Fallahi, a 24-year-old citizen, has been in detention since January 25, 2025, with no information available regarding her condition. She was arrested in Parand Town and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Nearly two months later, she remains in an uncertain and unclear situation.
Despite weeks passing since her arrest, Arghavan Fallahi’s family and loved ones have no information about her situation. The lack of news has caused significant concerns about her fate. This comes after she was previously released on bail from Evin Prison in March 2024, following one year and four months of legal limbo.
Continued Uncertainty for Political Prisoner Hafez Forouhi
Political prisoner Hafez Forouhi, who was arrested during nationwide protests on January 18, 2023, remains in Lakan Prison in Rasht despite having served his sentence. According to his verdict, he was supposed to be released on January 17, 2025.
Hafez Forouhi’s case has been subjected to an ambiguous judicial process fraught with delays. Initially referred to the Revolutionary Court and later to the Criminal Court, he was sentenced to two years in prison, which was later increased to two years and three months by the Court of Appeal. According to Article 442 of the Islamic Penal Code, this sentence should have been reduced to 20 months and 7 days, yet this legal provision has not been implemented, and his release has been postponed.
Confirmation of Hatam Ozdemir’s Death Sentence and Rejection of Retrial Request
In September 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Hatam Ozdemir, a Kurdish political prisoner. He had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Khoy on charges of Baghi (armed rebellion). Although the Supreme Court overturned this sentence in March 2023, the case was subsequently referred to Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Najafzadeh. In May 2024, this court once again sentenced Ozdemir to death, this time on charges of Moharebeh (waging war against God).
Ozdemir’s lawyer appealed the ruling, and the case was once again referred to the Supreme Court. However, on March 13, 2025, the Supreme Court rejected his retrial request. This decision has significantly increased concerns about the imminent execution of this political prisoner.
Zurich, March 17, 2025: MEK Supporters Hold Exhibition to Condemn Human Rights Violations by Iran’s Regime
Zurich, Switzerland – March 17, 2025: Supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held an exhibition condemning the death sentences imposed on political prisoners associated with the PMOI and highlighting human rights abuses by the Iranian regime. The event drew attention to the plight of political prisoners and called for their immediate release.
Sheffield, UK – March 18, 2025: ‘Academics in Exile’ Exhibition Highlights Human Rights Abuses in Iran
Sheffield, UK – March 18, 2025: The Academics in Exile Association, which supports the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), organized a book and photo exhibition to protest the death sentences imposed on political prisoners affiliated with the PMOI.