{"id":329643,"date":"2025-03-20T08:20:33","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T07:20:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=329643"},"modified":"2025-03-20T19:58:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T18:58:16","slug":"iran-news-in-brief-march-20-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-news-in-brief-news\/iran-news-in-brief-march-20-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran News in Brief \u2013 March 20, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_329645\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-329645\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-329645\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/geneva-iranian-resistance-activism-19032025.jpg\" alt=\"Supporters of the Iranian Resistance in Geneva held a rally on March 19, 2025\" width=\"1000\" height=\"564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/geneva-iranian-resistance-activism-19032025.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/geneva-iranian-resistance-activism-19032025-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/geneva-iranian-resistance-activism-19032025-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/geneva-iranian-resistance-activism-19032025-745x420.jpg 745w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/geneva-iranian-resistance-activism-19032025-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/geneva-iranian-resistance-activism-19032025-696x393.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-329645\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Supporters of the Iranian Resistance in Geneva held a rally on March 19, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;\">UPDATE: 7:30 PM CET<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Treasury Sanctions Network Supporting Iran\u2019s Oil Exports<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-246660 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/US-treasury-department-1-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"US treasury department\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, the Department of the Treasury\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating a \u201cteapot\u201d oil refinery and its chief executive officer for purchasing and refining hundreds of millions of dollars\u2019\u00a0worth 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).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u201cTeapot refinery purchases of Iranian oil provide the primary economic lifeline for the Iranian regime, the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terror,\u201d said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. \u201cThe United States is committed to cutting off the revenue streams that enable Tehran\u2019s continued financing of terrorism and development of its nuclear program.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.treasury.gov\/news\/press-releases\/sb0056\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;\">UPDATE: 10:30 AM CET<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Trump Vindicated as Explosive Report Confirms Iran Supervises Houthi &#8216;Political and Military Affairs&#8217;<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-228776 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fox-News.png\" alt=\"Fox-News\" width=\"151\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fox-News.png 151w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fox-News-60x60.png 60w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Following a year of significant setbacks in the Middle East for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/world\/conflicts\/iran\">Iran with its proxy forces<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to findings obtained by sources embedded in Tehran who are affiliated with the Iranian resistance group called the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, not only are some of Iran\u2019s most senior military officials in its\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/world\/iranian-general-responds-trump-threats-against-houthi-rebels\">Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps<\/a>\u00a0(IRGC) involved in Houthi decision-making, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has his thumb on the deadly group.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">President Donald Trump\u2019s 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\u2019s Quds Force \u2013 the elite branch of the Iranian military \u2013 is &#8220;directly commanding Houthi activities.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/world\/trump-vindicated-explosive-report-confirms-iran-supervises-houthi-political-military-affairs\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;\">UPDATE: 9:30 AM CET<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">US Strikes Hit Targets in Yemeni Capital, Houthi-Run TV Reports<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">CAIRO, March 19 (Reuters) &#8211; 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Three residents told Reuters that the strikes had hit the Al-Jarraf district of Sanaa, close to the city&#8217;s airport.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/middle-east\/strikes-hit-houthi-stronghold-yemens-sanaa-residents-say-2025-03-19\/\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">CENTCOM continuous operations against Iran-back Houthi terrorists\u2026<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/HouthisAreTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#HouthisAreTerrorists<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ppggVK1Jgg\">pic.twitter.com\/ppggVK1Jgg<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CENTCOM\/status\/1902145041063178333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Reward Offer for Information Disrupting Chinese Nationals Supplying Technology to Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a Foreign Terrorist Organization<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-303545 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/united-states-department-of-justice-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"united states department of justice 1\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/united-states-department-of-justice-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/united-states-department-of-justice-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/united-states-department-of-justice-1.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The U.S. Department of State\u2019s 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\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (<a href=\"https:\/\/rewardsforjustice.net\/rewards\/islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-irgc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>IRGC<\/strong><\/a>) and its various branches, including the IRGC-Qods Force (<a href=\"https:\/\/rewardsforjustice.net\/rewards\/islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-qods-force-irgc-qf\/\"><strong>IRGC-QF<\/strong><\/a>), 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 \u2014 in part \u2014 through sales of military equipment, including UAVs, or drones.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Liu Baoxia (\u5218\u4fdd\u971e,\u202ftraditional characters:\u202f\u5289\u4fdd\u971e; also known as Emily Liu)<\/li>\n<li>Li Yongxin (\u674e\u6c38\u6b23, also known as Emma Lee)<\/li>\n<li>Yung Yiu Wa (\u8000\u83ef\u202f\u5bb9, also known as Stephen Yung)<\/li>\n<li>Zhong Yanlai (\u9418\u786f\u4f86, also known as Sydney Chung)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.state.gov\/rewards-for-justice-reward-offer-for-information-disrupting-chinese-nationals-supplying-technology\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Clear Risks That Sweden&#8217;s Security Situation Could Get Worse, Swedish Security Police Says<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">STOCKHOLM, March 11 (Reuters) &#8211; The security situation in Sweden is serious and there are clear risks that it can get worse, Sweden&#8217;s security police (SAPO) said on Tuesday in an annual report into threats facing the country.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Foreign powers are operating in ways that threaten security and they are using hybrid activities to destabilise Sweden and Europe, the report said.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/europe\/clear-risks-that-swedens-security-situation-could-get-worse-swedish-security-2025-03-11\/\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;\">UPDATE: 8:00 AM CET<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">PMOI Resistance Units Honor Mossadegh on Anniversary of Nationalization of Iran\u2019s Oil Industry<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-329644 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/PMOI-Resistance-Units-honor-Mohammad-Mossadegh-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/PMOI-Resistance-Units-honor-Mohammad-Mossadegh-2025.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/PMOI-Resistance-Units-honor-Mohammad-Mossadegh-2025-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the anniversary of the nationalization of Iran\u2019s 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\u2019s oil industry and the hero of Iran\u2019s independence.\u00a0In\u00a0Tehran,\u00a0Resistance Units\u00a0projected a\u00a0large image of Mohammad Mossadegh\u00a0using a\u00a0video projector on the Azadegan Highway, emphasizing the significance of his path and ideals. This act, conducted in one of the capital\u2019s busiest areas, caught public attention and delivered a clear message of resistance and the ongoing fight for freedom.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Furthermore, in\u00a0Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Karaj, and other cities,\u00a0Resistance Units\u00a0distributed\u00a0flyers\u00a0featuring\u00a0Mohammad Mossadegh and Massoud Rajavi, the leader of the Iranian Resistance, reaffirming that\u00a0Massoud 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/english.mojahedin.org\/news\/pmoi-resistance-units-honor-mossadegh-on-anniversary-of-nationalization-of-irans-oil-industry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">Iran\u2019s Rebellious Youth Mark Charshanbe Suri by Targeting Regime Centers<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-329646 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Iranian-rebellious-youth-mark-Charshanbe-Suri-by-targeting-regime-centers.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Iranian-rebellious-youth-mark-Charshanbe-Suri-by-targeting-regime-centers.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Iranian-rebellious-youth-mark-Charshanbe-Suri-by-targeting-regime-centers-150x85.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On Monday, March 17, Iran\u2019s rebellious youth carried out 20 operations in 15 cities and 100 revolutionary acts in 29 cities, targeting the regime\u2019s centers of suppression and symbols of dictatorship.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The rebellious youth, with the slogans \u201cThe only answer to the mullahs is fire, let the flames rise\u201d and \u201cDeath to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Supreme Leader,\u201d targeted the enemy\u2019s dragnet of repression as follows:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Setting fire to three IRGC Basij bases in Dalahu, Kermanshah province<\/li>\n<li>Two incendiary at centers of fundamentalism, crime, and suppression of women in Tehran<\/li>\n<li>Setting fire to the headquarters of Khomeini Relief Committee in Tehran<\/li>\n<li>Setting fire to an IRGC Basij center in Kermanshah<\/li>\n<li>Attacking a regime center of looting and corruption in Shush<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/english.mojahedin.org\/news\/resistance\/irans-rebellious-youth-mark-charshanbe-suri-by-targeting-regime-centers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">Iran\u2019s Economic Outlook for 2025: A Crisis Deepens<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-311836 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/iran-street-market-bazaar-300x188.jpg\" alt=\"iran street market bazaar\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/iran-street-market-bazaar-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/iran-street-market-bazaar-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/iran-street-market-bazaar-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/iran-street-market-bazaar-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/iran-street-market-bazaar.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first three months of 2025 have shown that Iran\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The regime\u2019s Parliament Research Center has projected an even greater economic hardship, with reduced economic growth, rising inflation, and increasing poverty in 2025.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/irannewsupdate.com\/news\/economy\/irans-economic-outlook-for-2025-a-crisis-deepens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">Dr. Mai Sato Reports to UN Human Rights Council: Surge in Executions, Suppression of Dissent, and Human Rights Violations in Iran<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-329451 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/mai-sato-un-special-rapporteur-on-iran-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Mai Sato, UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, addresses the UN Human Rights Council\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/mai-sato-un-special-rapporteur-on-iran-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/mai-sato-un-special-rapporteur-on-iran-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/mai-sato-un-special-rapporteur-on-iran-745x420.jpg 745w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/mai-sato-un-special-rapporteur-on-iran-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/mai-sato-un-special-rapporteur-on-iran-696x393.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/mai-sato-un-special-rapporteur-on-iran.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/en\/documents\/country-reports\/ahrc5862-situation-human-rights-islamic-republic-iran-report-special\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">first report<\/a>\u00a0on the state of human rights in the country.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wncri.org\/2025\/03\/19\/dr-mai-sato-reports-to-un\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">New Global Democracy Report: Iran Ranked 147th Among 179 Countries<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-261740 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Iran-women-with-improper-hijab-300x150.webp\" alt=\"Iran-women-with-improper-hijab\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Iran-women-with-improper-hijab-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Iran-women-with-improper-hijab-150x75.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Iran-women-with-improper-hijab-696x348.webp 696w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Iran-women-with-improper-hijab.webp 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.\u00a0In the Liberal Democracy Index (LDI) assessed\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.v-dem.net\/documents\/60\/V-dem-dr__2025_lowres.pdf\">in this report<\/a>, Iran\u2019s ranking remains unchanged at 147th among 179 countries.\u00a0Among Iran\u2019s neighbors, Qatar is ranked 150th, the United Arab Emirates 152nd, Azerbaijan 161st, Afghanistan 176th, Pakistan 116th, Iraq 111th, and Turkey 139th.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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\u2019s democratic institutions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iranfocus.com\/human-rights\/53738-new-global-democracy-report-iran-ranked-147th-among-179-countries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">Arghavan Fallahi: Nearly Two Months of Detention with No News or Clarity<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-328187 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arghavan-Fallahi-Iran.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arghavan-Fallahi-Iran.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arghavan-Fallahi-Iran-150x101.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_ad jeg_ad_article jnews_content_inline_ads \" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"ads-wrapper align-right \"><a class=\"adlink ads_image align-right\" href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/jnewsio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" aria-label=\"Visit advertisement link\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/iran-hrm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/ad_300x250.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/iran-hrm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/ad_300x250.jpg\" data-pin-no-hover=\"true\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite weeks passing since her arrest, Arghavan Fallahi\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iran-hrm.com\/2025\/03\/19\/arghavan-fallahi-nearly-two-months-of-detention-with-no-news-or-clarity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">Continued Uncertainty for Political Prisoner Hafez Forouhi<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-329647 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IranHRM-Hafez-Forouhi.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IranHRM-Hafez-Forouhi.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IranHRM-Hafez-Forouhi-150x83.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hafez Forouhi\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iran-hrm.com\/2025\/03\/19\/continued-uncertainty-for-political-prisoner-hafez-forouhi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">Confirmation of Hatam Ozdemir\u2019s Death Sentence and Rejection of Retrial Request<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-329648 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IranHRM-Hatam-Ozdemir.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IranHRM-Hatam-Ozdemir.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IranHRM-Hatam-Ozdemir-150x82.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ozdemir\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iran-hrm.com\/2025\/03\/19\/confirmation-of-hatam-ozdemirs-death-sentence-and-rejection-of-retrial-request\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">Zurich, March 17, 2025: MEK Supporters Hold Exhibition to Condemn Human Rights Violations by Iran\u2019s Regime<\/h3>\n<div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"Zurich, March 17, 2025: MEK Supporters Exhibition to Condemn Human Rights Abuses by Iran&rsquo;s Regime\" style=\"width:853px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe\" id=\"WYL_wvnXmTGafTw\" itemprop=\"video\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"><div><meta itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FwvnXmTGafTw%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wvnXmTGafTw\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT46S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2025-03-19T08:12:36Z\" \/><\/div><div id=\"lyte_wvnXmTGafTw\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FwvnXmTGafTw%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">Zurich, March 17, 2025: MEK Supporters Exhibition to Condemn Human Rights Abuses by Iran\u2019s Regime<\/div><\/div><div class=\"play\"><\/div><div class=\"ctrl\"><div class=\"Lctrl\"><\/div><div class=\"Rctrl\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/wvnXmTGafTw\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FwvnXmTGafTw%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"Zurich, March 17, 2025: MEK Supporters Exhibition to Condemn Human Rights Abuses by Iran&rsquo;s Regime\" width=\"853\" height=\"460\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"Zurich, Switzerland - March 17, 2025: Supporters of the People\u2019s 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.\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:853px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><\/p>\n<p class=\"my-0\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Zurich, Switzerland \u2013 March 17, 2025<\/strong>: Supporters of the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (<a href=\"https:\/\/english.mojahedin.org\/about-iranian-opposition-pmoi-mek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMOI\/MEK<\/a>) held an exhibition condemning the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/human-rights\/2024\/12\/urgent-action-required-six-political-prisoners-sentenced-to-death-in-iran\/67727\/\" rel=\"\">death sentences<\/a>\u00a0imposed on political prisoners associated with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/peoples-mojahedin-pmoi-mek-iran\/\" rel=\"\">PMOI<\/a>\u00a0and highlighting human rights abuses by the Iranian regime. The event drew attention to the plight of political prisoners and called for their immediate release.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/iranian-assemblies\/2025\/03\/zurich-march-17-2025-mek-supporters-hold-exhibition-to-condemn-human-rights-violations-by-irans-regime\/71643\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\">Sheffield, UK \u2013 March 18, 2025: \u2018Academics in Exile\u2019 Exhibition Highlights Human Rights Abuses in Iran<\/h3>\n<div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"Sheffield, UK-March 18: &lsquo;Academics in Exile&rsquo; Exhibition Highlights Human Rights Abuses in Iran - 1\" style=\"width:853px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe\" id=\"WYL_ae0LyMi7VdE\" itemprop=\"video\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"><div><meta itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fae0LyMi7VdE%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ae0LyMi7VdE\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT33S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2025-03-19T08:18:44Z\" \/><\/div><div id=\"lyte_ae0LyMi7VdE\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fae0LyMi7VdE%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">Sheffield, UK-March 18: \u2018Academics in Exile\u2019 Exhibition Highlights Human Rights Abuses in Iran - 1<\/div><\/div><div class=\"play\"><\/div><div class=\"ctrl\"><div class=\"Lctrl\"><\/div><div class=\"Rctrl\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ae0LyMi7VdE\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fae0LyMi7VdE%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"Sheffield, UK-March 18: &lsquo;Academics in Exile&rsquo; Exhibition Highlights Human Rights Abuses in Iran - 1\" width=\"853\" height=\"460\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"Sheffield, UK \u2013 March 18, 2025: The Academics in Exile Association, which supports the People\u2019s 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.\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:853px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"355\"><strong>Sheffield, UK \u2013 March 18, 2025:<\/strong>\u00a0The Academics in Exile Association, which supports the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (<a href=\"https:\/\/english.mojahedin.org\/about-iranian-opposition-pmoi-mek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMOI\/MEK<\/a>), organized a book and photo exhibition to protest the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/human-rights\/2024\/12\/urgent-action-required-six-political-prisoners-sentenced-to-death-in-iran\/67727\/\" rel=\"\">death sentences<\/a>\u00a0imposed on political prisoners affiliated with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/peoples-mojahedin-pmoi-mek-iran\/\" rel=\"\">PMOI<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"602\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/iranian-assemblies\/2025\/03\/sheffield-uk-march-18-2025-academics-in-exile-exhibition-highlights-human-rights-abuses-in-iran\/71646\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-news-in-brief-news\/iran-news-in-brief-march-19-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Also, read Iran News in Brief \u2013 March 19<\/strong><strong>, 2025<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS UPDATE: 7:30 PM CET Treasury Sanctions Network Supporting Iran&rsquo;s Oil Exports WASHINGTON &mdash; Today, the Department of the Treasury&rsquo;s Office of [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":329645,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45,234],"tags":[277],"class_list":{"0":"post-329643","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"category-iran-news-in-brief-news","9":"tag-iran-news"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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