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Iran’s Ongoing Global Terrorism: Assassination Plots Against Former U.S. Officials Uncovered
The Iranian regime remains heavily invested in global terrorism, continuing to target high-profile former U.S. officials, according to a recent U.S. State Department notice sent to Congress and reported by the Washington Free Beacon. This classified memo revealed Iran’s active plots to assassinate former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Iran envoy Brian Hook. The Free Beacon report underscores the “serious and credible” nature of these threats, highlighting Tehran’s ongoing retaliation for U.S. policies that isolated Iran and its proxies. Reports suggest that these assassination attempts are part of Iran’s broader strategy to disrupt the United States by targeting leaders involved in prior tough sanctions and regional strategies against the regime.
In late September, former President Donald Trump also reported being briefed on real and imminent threats from Iran, further elevating concerns that Tehran’s plans aim to create instability and discord in the United States. Trump addressed these threats publicly, claiming that Iranian operatives have attempted, but failed, in previous plots and remain undeterred.
Iran Regime’s Struggle to Silence Cyberspace Critics Amid Increased Repression
The Iranian regime, led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, continues to intensify its crackdown on cyberspace and social media critics. Recently, Khamenei publicly directed Iran’s judiciary and security apparatus to target dissenting voices under the guise of “providing the psychological security of society.”
This directive came as protests over government policies and deteriorating economic conditions in Iran have become more prominent online. In response, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, head of the judiciary, warned that critics could face arrest and prosecution. The strategy is not new; for decades, the regime has relied on suppression, detention, threats, and executions to silence opposition voices.
With international pressure mounting and domestic criticism growing after Iran’s decision to back militant groups in the Gaza conflict, the regime has once again opted for intensified censorship. The regime’s approach to cyberspace has been steadily repressive.
Families of Death Row Prisoners Protest Against Executions in Iran
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, coinciding with the 40th week of the “Tuesdays Against Execution” campaign, a large group of families of death row prisoners gathered in Tehran to protest. They marched towards the parliament, chanting “Do not execute!”
Last week, on the 39th week of the “Tuesdays Against Execution” campaign, families of death row prisoners also held a demonstration in front of the parliament in Tehran. In October and November 2023, a series of protests and gatherings took place in Tehran and Karaj by families of death row prisoners. These were ultimately met with violence and suppression by security forces.
Amir Kabir University Bars 200 Students Over Dress Code Violations, Some Questioned After Protests
On Monday morning, October 28, 2024, around 200 students were barred from entering Amir Kabir University due to violations of the compulsory dress code, which the university’s security enforced. Reports indicate that security personnel stationed at the university’s three main entrances—on Hafez, Valiasr, and Rasht streets—blocked these students, preventing them from attending their classes.
According to Amir Kabir University’s newsletter, some students who protested the restriction were taken to security posts on campus for questioning. A statement from the newsletter noted that this decision followed a recent meeting of the university’s cultural council, in coordination with the Amir Kabir Security Directorate.
Ariane Tabatabai’s New Position at the Pentagon Reduces Her Security Clearance
On Monday, October 28, the Free Press website reported that Ariane Tabatabai, who previously served as Chief of Staff to the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, has taken on a new role in the department, significantly reducing her access to classified U.S. military information and programs. According to the report, the U.S. Department of Defense recently transferred Tabatabai to her new position quietly. Previously working in the “Office of Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict” (SO/LIC) at the Pentagon, she will now serve as the “Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Education and Force Training.”
Tabatabai’s name had previously been linked to an Iranian regime influence network within the U.S.
Iran Executes Dual National Jamshid Sharmahd Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions with Germany
Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German dual national imprisoned in Iran, was executed on Monday, October 28, according to Mizan News Agency, a judiciary-affiliated media outlet. Sharmahd, who was charged with “corruption on earth through the design and orchestration of terrorist activities,” was sentenced to death by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court in February 2023. Sharmahd was reportedly abducted by Iranian intelligence agents while in the United Arab Emirates and subsequently transferred to Iran. Throughout his detention, Sharmahd was denied basic rights, including access to an attorney of his choice, as well as regular contact with family members via visitation or phone calls.
MEK Supporters in Gothenburg Rally Against Crimes of the Mullahs’ Regime, Demand Justice, and Support a Free Iran
Gothenburg, Sweden—October 26, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held a rally protesting the Iranian regime’s rising wave of executions. They also demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners held by the mullahs’ regime and expressed solidarity with the PMOI/MEK.
Ottawa, Canada—October 26, 2024: MEK Supporters Rally Condemns Crimes of the Mullahs’ Regime in Iran
Ottawa, Canada—October 26, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally to protest the increasing wave of executions carried out by the Iranian regime. They also called for the immediate release of all political prisoners held in the prisons of the mullahs’ regime in Iran and expressed their solidarity with the Iranian Revolution.
Toronto, Canada—October 26, 2024: MEK Supporters Rally Condemns Crimes of the Mullahs’ Regime in Iran
Toronto, Canada—October 26, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized a rally to protest the increasing wave of executions carried out by the Iranian regime. They also called for the immediate release of all political prisoners held in the prisons of the mullahs’ regime in Iran and expressed their solidarity with the Iranian Revolution.