{"id":328353,"date":"2025-02-05T07:41:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T06:41:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=328353"},"modified":"2025-02-05T18:55:57","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T17:55:57","slug":"iran-news-in-brief-february-5-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-news-in-brief-news\/iran-news-in-brief-february-5-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran News in Brief \u2013 February 5, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Retirees of the Iran Telecommunications Company (TCI) in Ahvaz held a protest rally on February 3, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS<\/h2>\n

UPDATE: 6:30 PM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

Iranian Mullahs Buying Time to Develop Nuclear Weapons<\/h3>\n

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The Iranian regime is facing a nervous breakdown as infighting escalates over attempts to negotiate with the Trump administration in America. Hardline factions regard the Americans as \u2018The Great Satan\u2019 and eschew all efforts to reopen nuclear talks with President Trump. Meanwhile, pragmatists amongst the leading mullahs fear the theocratic regime has been fatally weakened by the defeats of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon and by the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad tyranny in Syria. They face the nightmare scenario of a collapsing economy, together with a growing social and political crisis at home, while Trump threatens to double down on his \u2018maximum pressure\u2019 sanctions campaign, to sever the last of their oil income. They are desperately seeking new negotiations to revive the moribund Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal, which Trump unilaterally withdrew America from during his first term in the White House, describing it as \u201cthe worst deal in American history.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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UPDATE: 4:30 PM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

The West\u2019s Opportunity to Pressure Iran Without Military Intervention<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\"\"For decades, Iran has exploited the West\u2019s weak negotiation strategies and diplomatic concessions. However, with a united and decisive Western front under U.S. leadership, there is now a real opportunity to halt the regime\u2019s destabilizing activities\u2014without resorting to military force.<\/p>\n

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy wrote to Jean Monnet, emphasizing that America and a united Europe, through close cooperation, could address humanity\u2019s greatest challenges. This vision remains just as relevant today, particularly in confronting Iran\u2019s expansionist policies and nuclear ambitions.<\/p>\n

With a new political leadership in the U.S., the West has a unique chance to rally against one of the biggest threats in the Middle East: the Islamist regime in Tehran. In its first week in office, the new U.S. administration has made it clear that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. This stance coincides with a new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), revealing that Iran has increased its production of highly enriched uranium by sevenfold.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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UPDATE: 9:30 AM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

Iran ‘Secretly Building Nukes’ To Hit Deep into Europe Using North Korean Blueprint<\/h3>\n

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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been trying to build nuclear weapons with a range of nearly 1900 miles at disguised bases, exiles warn.<\/p>\n

Iran is developing nuclear weapons with a range that can hit Europe using a North Korean design handed to Tehran.<\/p>\n

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which in the past has revealed details of the mullahs’ uranium enrichment facilities, has shared information on how the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is growing its arsenal.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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UPDATE: 7:30 AM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

Message of Condolence on the Passing of Sid Ahmad Ghozali, Former Prime Minister of Algeria<\/h3>\n

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With deep sorrow and profound sympathy, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of Algeria, as well as to the esteemed friends and family of Sid Ahmad Ghozali, a great friend of the\u00a0Iranian Resistance<\/strong><\/a>, former Prime Minister, and distinguished Algerian statesman.<\/p>\n

For many years, even in the most challenging circumstances, Sid Ahmad Ghozali stood resolutely with his brothers and sisters in the PMOI\/MEK\u2014whether in the struggle to protect them in Ashraf or in the campaign to remove them from terror lists. His name will forever be etched in the history of the Iranian people.<\/p>\n

Mr. Ghozali was a true heir to the legacy and values of the Mujahideen in Algeria\u2019s war of independence. He never wavered in his principles of humanity and ethics, refusing to compromise them for the exigencies of the times or fleeting political interests.<\/p>\n

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Judiciary Chief Warns against Division as Political Crisis Deepens in The Iranian Regime<\/h3>\n

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In his speech on January 27 at the 25th Conference of Public and Revolutionary Prosecutors, Iranian regime Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Eje\u2019i criticized former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif\u2019s statements at the Davos Summit. As quoted by Mizan, the judiciary\u2019s news agency, Mohseni Eje\u2019i said, \u201cToday, the embodiment of tyranny is the American regime. We cannot rely on an unjust regime to solve our problems. We must not be intimidated by the power of tyrants; we must show the utmost perseverance and resistance against them.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is inappropriate for a representative of the state to speak in an international assembly in a way that weakens the cause of truth and pleases and delights the enemy. It is not appropriate to speak in a global forum as if there are internal conflicts in our country. It is unacceptable to make statements among foreigners that reinforce the enemy\u2019s false narrative about the country\u2019s weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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Iran Faces Looming Water Crisis Amid Drought and Mismanagement<\/h3>\n

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As Iran experiences a sharp decline in rainfall and rising temperatures in 2024, the country\u2019s water resources are on the brink of a severe crisis. Media reports have begun speculating about potential water rationing in the summer, raising concerns among citizens and policymakers alike.<\/p>\n

A recent analytical report by\u00a0Ham Mihan<\/em>\u00a0highlights the alarming state of Iran\u2019s water reserves. According to the report, over half of the country\u2019s dams are now empty. Water inflows into these dams have dropped by 5% compared to last year, while outflows surpass actual consumption, leading to significant waste.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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Bipartisan Push in Congress to Reinforce U.S. Stance Against a Nuclear Iran<\/h3>\n

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In a move to underscore the United States\u2019 opposition to Iran\u2019s nuclear ambitions, U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) has introduced\u00a0legislation<\/a>\u00a0calling for an unequivocal stance on the issue. Partnering with Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), Moskowitz emphasized that \u201call options\u201d should be considered to counter the potential threat posed by a nuclear-capable Iran.<\/p>\n

Moskowitz, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Intelligence, described Iran\u2019s nuclear program as \u201can existential threat to the United States and global stability.\u201d He urged leaders to acknowledge the danger posed by Tehran\u2019s nuclear expansion, calling it \u201can unacceptable escalation in the Middle East and a national security threat against the United States and our allies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe United States won\u2019t stand for anything less and will consider all options to protect our national security,\u201d Moskowitz said. \u201cWe must send a clear, bipartisan message that we stand with our ally Israel and that a continued nuclear program in Iran is an absolute nonstarter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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Iranian Political Prisoner Manouchehr Fallah Sentenced to Death<\/h3>\n

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The Iranian regime judiciary has sentenced political prisoner Manouchehr Fallah to death. The verdict was issued by Judge Mohammad Ali Darvish Goftar in the Revolutionary Court of Rasht. Fallah was convicted on charges of \u201cenmity against God (Moharebeh) through actions against the security of the regime.\u201d He is currently imprisoned in Lakan Prison, Rasht, and was denied legal representation throughout the judicial process.<\/p>\n

Manouchehr Fallah, 40, was tried via videoconference on December 11, 2024. He faced accusations of damaging buildings belonging to the IRGC Intelligence and the Gilan Judiciary. However, the legal proceedings have been widely criticized for their lack of due process, including the denial of access to a defense lawyer.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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Families of Death Row Political Prisoners Rally Outside Evin Prison<\/h3>\n

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On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the families of death row political prisoners\u00a0gathered in front of Evin Prison<\/a>, demanding the revocation of their loved ones\u2019 death sentences. Holding up photographs of their imprisoned relatives, the families of death row political prisoners raised their voices in protest. They carried placards reading\u00a0\u201cNo to Execution\u201d<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0\u201cAbolish the Death Penalty.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

In December 2024, six political prisoners\u2014Vahid Bani Amarian, Pouya Ghobadi, Babak Alipour, Seyed Abolhassan Montazer, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, and Ali Akbar Daneshvarkar\u2014were sentenced to death, imprisonment, and exile on charges of\u00a0\u201cmembership in the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK).\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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At Least 30 Prisoners Executed in 15 Days; Expansion of The \u201cNo To Executions Tuesdays\u201d Campaign in Iran<\/h3>\n

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As part of the ongoing protests against the implementation of death sentences, prisoners in Gonbad-e Kavus prison have also joined the \u201cNo to Executions Tuesdays\u201d campaign. According to a new statement from the campaign, on February 4, prisoners in 35 prisons across the country will go on a hunger strike for the 54th consecutive week. Members of the campaign have also pointed to the new wave of death sentences and executions, emphasizing: \u201cSince January 20, more than 30 prisoners have been executed across the country, one of whom was a female inmate in Khorramabad prison.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additionally, in another development, Manouchehr Fallah, a political prisoner held in Lakan Prison in Rasht and a member of the \u201cNo to Executions Tuesdays\u201d campaign, has been sentenced to death by Branch 2 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court on charges of \u201cenmity against God\u201d (Moharebeh) in an unfair and opaque trial conducted without the presence of a lawyer.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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Transfer of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani to the Political Ward in Qezel-Hesar Prison<\/h3>\n

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On the morning of February 2, 2025, Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, two political prisoners sentenced to death, were transferred to Ward 4 of the political prisoners\u2019 unit in Qezel-Hesar Prison. This transfer took place following the suspension of their execution and the referral of their case to the Supreme Court for retrial. According to reliable reports, the two prisoners, who are members of the \u201cNo to Executions on Tuesdays\u201d campaign, were initially transferred from Evin Prison to the secure unit of Ward 3 in Qezel-Hesar Prison on January 26, 2025, in preparation for their execution. However, following widespread domestic and international protests, their execution was halted, and their case was sent to the Supreme Court for further review.<\/p>\n

Subsequently, on January 30, 2025, they were moved to the political prisoners\u2019 ward for death row inmates, and finally, on February 2, 2025, they were relocated to Ward 4 of Qezel-Hesar Prison.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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Paris Exhibition: Denouncing Iran\u2019s Human Rights Violations and Advocating for the Paris Free Iran Rally on February 8, 2025<\/h3>\n
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Paris Exhibition: Denouncing Iran's Human Rights Violations & Advocating for the #ParisFreeIranRally<\/div><\/div>
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