{"id":335787,"date":"2025-08-20T06:58:33","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T05:58:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=335787"},"modified":"2025-08-20T20:17:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T19:17:00","slug":"iran-news-in-brief-august-20-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-news-in-brief-news\/iran-news-in-brief-august-20-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran News in Brief \u2013 August 20, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_335789\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-335789\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-335789\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Essen-Iranian-Resistance-rally-17082025.jpg\" alt=\"Essen, Germany \u2014 Supporters of the Iranian Resistance rally against death sentences for political prisoners \u2014 August 16, 2025\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Essen-Iranian-Resistance-rally-17082025.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Essen-Iranian-Resistance-rally-17082025-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Essen-Iranian-Resistance-rally-17082025-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Essen-Iranian-Resistance-rally-17082025-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Essen-Iranian-Resistance-rally-17082025-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Essen-Iranian-Resistance-rally-17082025-696x391.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-335789\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Essen, Germany \u2014 Supporters of the Iranian Resistance rally against death sentences for political prisoners \u2014 August 16, 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;\"><strong style=\"text-align: justify;\">UPDATE: 9:00 PM CEST<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran&#8217;s Structural Transformations Could Impact Regime Leadership<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-257115 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/newsmax-logo-e1746767941880.png\" alt=\"newsmax-logo\" width=\"300\" height=\"93\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">One of the most critical structural challenges facing the Islamic Republic is the issue of\u00a0<em>who<\/em> will succeed its 86-year-old leader.\u00a0The current political structure resembles a garment tailored exclusively for Iran&#8217;s supreme leader; without him, the entire system stands on the brink of collapse.\u00a0Reports indicate that Ali Khamenei intends to designate his son, Mojtaba, as deputy and successor through a pre-planned scenario.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This serves two main purposes: first, to prevent nuclear and regional concessions from being attributed directly to Khamenei himself; second, to avoid a major crisis in the event of the leader\u2019s sudden death without an appointed successor, leading to a nationwide uprising.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsmax.com\/hamidenayat\/khamenei-mojtaba\/2025\/08\/18\/id\/1222960\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"94\">U.S. Congress Report: Sanctions Remain Key Tool to Pressure Iran<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-329094 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Congress-the-Capitol-Hill-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., USA.\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Congress-the-Capitol-Hill-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Congress-the-Capitol-Hill-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Congress-the-Capitol-Hill-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Congress-the-Capitol-Hill-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Congress-the-Capitol-Hill-696x391.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/US-Congress-the-Capitol-Hill.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"96\" data-end=\"472\">WASHINGTON \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/crs-product\/IF12452?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22iran%22%7D&amp;s=2&amp;r=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A new report<\/a> by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS), published on August 19, 2025, emphasizes that U.S. sanctions remain a central tool to pressure the clerical dictatorship in Iran to curb its destabilizing policies, including support for terrorism, the advancement of its nuclear and missile programs, and systematic human rights violations.\u00a0According to the CRS report, U.S. law authorizes extensive sanctions targeting multiple sectors of Iran\u2019s economy and government:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"1153\">\n<li data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"767\">\n<p data-start=\"613\" data-end=\"767\">Energy \u2014 affecting foreign companies investing in Iran\u2019s oil and gas industry and entities involved in buying, selling, or transporting Iranian oil.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"768\" data-end=\"829\">\n<p data-start=\"770\" data-end=\"829\">Finance \u2014 including sanctions on Iran\u2019s Central Bank.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"943\">\n<p data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"943\">Other industries \u2014 such as transportation, construction, mining, textiles, automotive, and manufacturing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"944\" data-end=\"1016\">\n<p data-start=\"946\" data-end=\"1016\">Arms trade \u2014 restricting Iran\u2019s ability to buy and sell weapons.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1017\" data-end=\"1153\">\n<p data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1153\">Government entities \u2014 targeting senior officials, including the Supreme Leader and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1357\">The report highlights that sanctions are designed to compel behavioral change by the regime, not just punish its economy, and stresses growing international coordination in applying such measures.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong style=\"text-align: justify;\">UPDATE: 1:00 PM CEST<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"995\">Cyberattack on Berlin\u2019s Justice Senator Badenberg<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-335795 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lto_logo-e1755688361685.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lto_logo-e1755688361685.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lto_logo-e1755688361685-150x98.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Berlin\u2019s Justice Senator Felor Badenberg (CDU) has fallen victim to a cyberattack. Sensitive data was leaked, and the politician has expressed deep concern. There are growing suspicions about who might be behind the incident.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to the Berlin Senate Department of Justice, the attack specifically targeted a workstation computer within the department\u2019s executive offices. Personal data was stolen, including emails sent to and from individuals who had been in contact with the executive staff of the Senate Department since February 1, 2023.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Authorities suspect that Iranian hackers could be behind the attack. Badenberg, who has Iranian roots, believes there may be state involvement. Speaking to Der Spiegel, she said:\u00a0\u201cThe targeted, apparently professionally prepared attack \u2014 allegedly initiated by a foreign intelligence service \u2014 shows the methods being used to try to intimidate critical voices.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lto.de\/recht\/nachrichten\/n\/felor-badenberg-cyber-angriff-iranische-hacker-im-verdacht\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lebanon\u2019s Patriarch: Hezbollah Must Surrender Weapons after State Asserts Monopoly on Arms<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-254719 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/alarabiya-logo-e1755687384240.jpg\" alt=\"alarabiya-logo\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lebanon\u2019s top Christian cleric escalated his criticism of Hezbollah on Tuesday, saying the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/english.alarabiya.net\/News\/middle-east\/2024\/09\/29\/lebanon-s-top-christian-cleric-calls-for-diplomacy-following-nasrallah-s-killing\">Iran-backed group has no right to keep its arsenal<\/a>\u00a0after the government decided that only the state can bear arms.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai said there is now a rare political consensus to strip all weapons from groups outside the Lebanese Armed Forces.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u201cThis is the first time there is consensus among the president, the parliament speaker, and the prime minister to monopolize weapons under state control. This brings peace to Lebanon. No one can live without peace,\u201d Rai told Al Arabiya in an interview.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">His comments come after months of cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel that devastated southern Lebanon and large swathes of the country\u2019s capital and Bekaa Valley and displaced tens of thousands.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/english.alarabiya.net\/News\/middle-east\/2025\/08\/19\/lebanon-s-patriarch-hezbollah-must-surrender-weapons-after-state-asserts-monopoly-on-arms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong style=\"text-align: justify;\">UPDATE: 8:00 AM CEST<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">How The 1953 Coup Against Democracy in Iran Created Two Dictatorships<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-335756 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Mohamed-Mossadegh-sitting-in-court-November-1953-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Mohamed Mossadegh, sitting in court, November 1953\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Mohamed-Mossadegh-sitting-in-court-November-1953-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Mohamed-Mossadegh-sitting-in-court-November-1953-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Mohamed-Mossadegh-sitting-in-court-November-1953-746x420.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Mohamed-Mossadegh-sitting-in-court-November-1953-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Mohamed-Mossadegh-sitting-in-court-November-1953-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Mohamed-Mossadegh-sitting-in-court-November-1953.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Seventy-two years ago today, on August 19, 1953, a tripartite coalition of foreign colonial powers, the royal court, and reactionary clerics overthrew the national government of Iran\u2019s democratically elected Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mosaddegh.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mosaddegh was a pioneer in democratic institutions in Iran, the rule of law, and importantly, the leader of the movement to nationalize Iran\u2019s oil industry and help the Iranian people get their rightful due. Naturally, the shah and his cohorts in the clergy, along with their masters abroad, who were totally opposed to the Iranian people controlling their destiny, put in a concerted effort to remove Mosaddegh from power through violence and install a dictator and puppet of foreign powers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/english.mojahedin.org\/article\/how-the1953-coup-against-democracy-in-iran-created-two-dictatorships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Charles Michel to Simay Azadi: \u201cAppeasement Has Not Worked with Iran, Silence Is Complicity\u201d<\/h3>\n<div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"Charles Michel to Simay Azadi: &ldquo;Iran&amp;#039;s Regime Is Weaker Than Ever &mdash; Appeasement Will Not Work&rdquo;\" style=\"width:853px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe\" id=\"WYL_O2VU_mYCFvE\" 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%2FO2VU_mYCFvE%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O2VU_mYCFvE\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT4M24S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2025-08-15T18:51:59Z\" \/><\/div><div id=\"lyte_O2VU_mYCFvE\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FO2VU_mYCFvE%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">Charles Michel to Simay Azadi: \u201cIran&#039;s Regime Is Weaker Than Ever \u2014 Appeasement Will Not Work\u201d<\/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\/O2VU_mYCFvE\" 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%2FO2VU_mYCFvE%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"Charles Michel to Simay Azadi: &ldquo;Iran&amp;#039;s Regime Is Weaker Than Ever &mdash; Appeasement Will Not Work&rdquo;\" width=\"853\" height=\"460\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"In an exclusive interview with Simay Azadi, former European Council President Charles Michel delivers a strong message on Iran\u2019s future: \u201cThe regime is weaker than ever, but because they are weaker, they become more brutal and aggressive.\u201d Appeasement has failed \u2014 silence is complicity. Full support for the Third Option and Maryam Rajavi\u2019s 10-Point Plan for a democratic Iran. Condemnation of the regime\u2019s surge in executions; calls on the EU to support the Iranian people and its active diaspora. Rejects military action on the regime\u2019s nuclear program \u2014 the solution is backing Iran\u2019s organized opposition. Praises Ashraf 3 residents as \u201ca vital asset for Iran\u2019s future.\u201d To Iranians: \u201cYou are not alone. Your fight is legitimate \u2014 and it is our fight too.\u201d \ud83d\udcfa Simay Azadi brings you exclusive coverage of voices supporting freedom, democracy, and justice for Iran. #Iran #CharlesMichel #FreeIran #MaryamRajavi #SimayAzadi #HumanRights #Ashraf3 Please visit our website to get more information: http:\/\/www.en.iranntv.com\/ \ud83d\udd14\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27&#039;\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc26\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c. https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@en_simayazadi\/?sub_confirmation=1 \ud83d\udd17 Stay Connected With Us. Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/people\/Simay-Azadi-Tv-En\/61567188496965\/ Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/en_simayazadi\/ Twitter (X): https:\/\/x.com\/en_simayazadi Website: http:\/\/www.en.iranntv.com\/ \ud83d\udce9 For business inquiries: contact@iranntv.com ============================= \ud83c\udfacSuggested videos for you: \u25b6\ufe0f https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=plUvZ3xtkJ4 \u25b6\ufe0f https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dQmVEtdXEuY \u25b6\ufe0f https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O9HsfU7IkuE \u25b6\ufe0f https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7zq9oRXtDTI \u25b6\ufe0f https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=n1oDDESVUBQ \u25b6\ufe0f https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6rj-Br5JuXY \u25b6\ufe0f https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QCrtiYB_LAI ================================= \ud83d\udd0e Related Phrases: Hashtags\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:853px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On July 30, 2025, immediately after the high-profile Italian parliamentary conference titled\u00a0<em>\u201cIran Crisis: The Third Option for Change,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/free-iran-world-summit\/italian-parliament-hosts-conference-on-iran-backs-democratic-change-and-rejects-appeasement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">featuring\u00a0<\/a>Maryam\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.iranntv.com\/maryam-rajavi-a-short-biography\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rajavi\u00a0<\/a>I spoke with Charles Michel, the former President of the European Council and ex-Prime Minister of Belgium. He offered an assessment of the meeting and the path forward for Iran.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.iranntv.com\/charles-michel-to-simay-azadi-appeasement-has-not-worked-with-iran-silence-is-complicity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Why Every Evangelical American Should Care About Iran and Support Its Democratic Opposition<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-335788 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dailysignal_com-logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dailysignal_com-logo.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dailysignal_com-logo-150x68.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">One of the most important rights we enjoy in the United States is the freedom to practice our faith. Sadly, this is not a reality for hundreds of millions around the world. As evangelical Christians, we believe this right is not merely granted by governments but is given by God. It should transcend borders, which is why evangelical Americans should care deeply about Iran and support its secular democratic opposition.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On its World Watch List 2025, Open Doors International ranked the Islamic Republic of Iran as the ninth-worst country for Christian persecution. Global Christian Relief also placed Iran in the same position.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">While Iran\u2019s theocracy nominally recognizes the rights of Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, public expressions of faith are routinely suppressed through both official and unofficial means.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailysignal.com\/2025\/08\/19\/why-every-evangelical-american-should-care-iran-support-democratic-opposition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran\u2019s Regime Faces Crisis as Propaganda Collapses After 12-Day War<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-334395 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Day-Eleven-of-the-War-Attack-on-Evin-Prison-and-a-Series-of-Iranian-Regime-Security-Institutions-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Day Eleven of the War Attack on Evin Prison and a Series of Iranian Regime Security Institutions\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Day-Eleven-of-the-War-Attack-on-Evin-Prison-and-a-Series-of-Iranian-Regime-Security-Institutions-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Day-Eleven-of-the-War-Attack-on-Evin-Prison-and-a-Series-of-Iranian-Regime-Security-Institutions-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Day-Eleven-of-the-War-Attack-on-Evin-Prison-and-a-Series-of-Iranian-Regime-Security-Institutions-746x420.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Day-Eleven-of-the-War-Attack-on-Evin-Prison-and-a-Series-of-Iranian-Regime-Security-Institutions-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Day-Eleven-of-the-War-Attack-on-Evin-Prison-and-a-Series-of-Iranian-Regime-Security-Institutions-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Day-Eleven-of-the-War-Attack-on-Evin-Prison-and-a-Series-of-Iranian-Regime-Security-Institutions.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"1029\">In the days following the 12-Day War, the Iranian regime\u2019s propaganda machine went into overdrive. State-controlled outlets and regime agents declared that a new \u201cunity between the nation and the state\u201d had been formed. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei personally launched an \u201cIran, Iran\u201d campaign, while the Tehran Municipality plastered the capital\u2019s main thoroughfares with billboards featuring symbols of ancient Iran.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"1031\" data-end=\"1411\">These orchestrated displays were designed to conceal the depth of the crisis engulfing the regime both domestically and internationally. Yet, the illusion lasted barely two weeks before the cracks reemerged. Today, it is the regime\u2019s own media that is issuing stark warnings about \u201cimminent punishments\u201d and a \u201cdangerous slope\u201d threatening the so-called \u201csacred Islamic system.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/irannewsupdate.com\/news\/infightings\/irans-regime-faces-crisis-as-propaganda-collapses-after-12-day-war\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">UN Rapporteur Warns of Imminent Risk in Iran as Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Labor Activist<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-315119 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Sharifeh-Mohammadi.jpg\" alt=\"Sharifeh Mohammadi\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Sharifeh-Mohammadi.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Sharifeh-Mohammadi-150x75.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"973\">The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, Ms. Mai Sato, has condemned the Iranian Supreme Court\u2019s confirmation of the death sentence for imprisoned labor activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, describing the case as a clear example of the urgent need to abolish the death penalty.\u00a0On Monday, August 18, Sato wrote on the social network X that although Branch 39 of the Supreme Court had previously overturned Mohammadi\u2019s death sentence on grounds of serious legal and procedural flaws, the same court has now upheld the execution ruling.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/irannewsupdate.com\/news\/human-rights\/un-rapporteur-warns-of-imminent-risk-in-iran-as-supreme-court-upholds-death-sentence-for-labor-activist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iran\u2019s Housing Market: Two Decades of Widening Class Divide<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-313284 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/iran-housing-slums-300x171.jpg\" alt=\"iran housing slums\" width=\"300\" height=\"171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/iran-housing-slums-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/iran-housing-slums-768x437.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/iran-housing-slums-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/iran-housing-slums-696x396.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/iran-housing-slums-738x420.jpg 738w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/iran-housing-slums.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"895\">A new report by the Majlis (Parliament) Research Center highlights the worsening divide in Iran\u2019s housing market, showing that while the wealthy have steadily increased their share of homeownership over the past two decades, low-income households remain overwhelmingly dependent on renting.\u00a0The housing crisis has long been one of the central concerns for Iranian families, but this latest research paints a stark picture of inequality that has not only persisted but intensified.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"1147\" data-end=\"1349\">At first glance, statistics suggest that the number of owned housing units in Iran has generally increased over the last 20 years. However, when broken down by income groups, the divide becomes clear.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/irannewsupdate.com\/news\/economy\/irans-housing-market-two-decades-of-widening-class-divide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u201cPay for Treatment\u201d in Iran\u2019s Notorious Qarchak Prison<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-308277 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/International-Delegations-Visit-to-Qarchak-Varamin-Prison-Shrouded-in-Media-Silence-300x188.jpg\" alt=\"International Delegations Visit to Qarchak Varamin Prison Shrouded in Media Silence\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/International-Delegations-Visit-to-Qarchak-Varamin-Prison-Shrouded-in-Media-Silence-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/International-Delegations-Visit-to-Qarchak-Varamin-Prison-Shrouded-in-Media-Silence-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/International-Delegations-Visit-to-Qarchak-Varamin-Prison-Shrouded-in-Media-Silence-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/International-Delegations-Visit-to-Qarchak-Varamin-Prison-Shrouded-in-Media-Silence-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/International-Delegations-Visit-to-Qarchak-Varamin-Prison-Shrouded-in-Media-Silence.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A new report reveals that officials at the infamous Qarchak Women\u2019s Prison in Varamin, Iran, are systematically denying essential medical care to inmates, demanding payment for hospital transfers and treatment. This practice has already led to multiple deaths and places the lives of over 1,200 prisoners at daily risk.\u00a0Qarchak Prison, long cited as one of the Iranian regime\u2019s worst detention facilities for women, is enforcing a deadly \u201cmoney for treatment\u201d policy, according to sources from inside the facility. Officials at the prison infirmary are reportedly refusing to provide necessary medical services or transfer sick prisoners to outside hospitals unless the inmates or their families pay for the services in advance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iranfocus.com\/human-rights\/55155-pay-for-treatment-in-irans-notorious-qarchak-prison\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Execution of Six Prisoners in Four Iranian Cities<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-323154 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/iran-executions-flag-gallows.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/iran-executions-flag-gallows.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/iran-executions-flag-gallows-150x85.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Amid the escalating wave of death penalties in Iran, six prisoners were executed in recent days in the prisons of Shiraz, Ahvaz, Rasht, and Borazjan. With these executions, the number of people executed in just one month has reached at least 131 individuals. This means that, on average, nearly five prisoners are executed daily, and one execution takes place every five hours in Iran.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_ad jeg_ad_article jnews_content_inline_ads \" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<div class=\"ads-wrapper align-right \">\n<p>On the morning of Sunday, August 17, 2025, two prisoners, Ahmadreza Younesi Gelezan (from Kavar) and Mehdi Najafi (23 years old, from Marvdasht), were executed on murder charges.<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Eskandar Bazmandegan was hanged in the same prison on security-related charges and \u201ccorruption on earth.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iran-hrm.com\/2025\/08\/19\/execution-of-six-prisoners-in-four-iranian-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Iranians Gather in Aarhus to Protest Executions, Demand Regime Change and Democracy in Iran<\/h3>\n<div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"Iranians Gather in Aarhus to Protest Executions, Demand Regime Change and Democracy in Iran - Aug 16\" style=\"width:853px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe\" id=\"WYL_B1eDoEIhsZU\" 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%2FB1eDoEIhsZU%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/B1eDoEIhsZU\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT3M52S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2025-08-19T06:26:34Z\" \/><\/div><div id=\"lyte_B1eDoEIhsZU\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FB1eDoEIhsZU%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">Iranians Gather in Aarhus to Protest Executions, Demand Regime Change and Democracy in Iran - Aug 16<\/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\/B1eDoEIhsZU\" 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%2FB1eDoEIhsZU%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"Iranians Gather in Aarhus to Protest Executions, Demand Regime Change and Democracy in Iran - Aug 16\" width=\"853\" height=\"460\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"Aarhus, Denmark \u2013 August 16, 2025 \u2013 Supporters of the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK) gathered in Aarhus to raise the alarm over the imminent execution of five political prisoners in Iran: Vahid Bani-Amerian, Pouya Ghobadi, Shahrokh Daneshvarkar, Mohammad Taghavi, and Babak Alipour. The Iranian regime has transferred them to Ghezel Hesar Prison, a facility notorious for mass executions, placing their lives in grave danger. Protesters in Aarhus called for the overthrow of the mullahs\u2019 regime by the Iranian people and the organized Resistance. They declared: No to war, no to appeasement, and yes to the \u201cThird Option\u201d proposed by Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the\u00a0NCRI, and her\u00a0Ten-Point Plan for a democratic republic in Iran.\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:853px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"242\">Aarhus, Denmark \u2013 August 16, 2025<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 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>) gathered in Aarhus to raise the alarm over the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/human-rights\/2025\/08\/five-iranian-political-prisoners-at-imminent-risk-of-execution-after-transfer-to-ghezel-hesar\/77204\/\" rel=\"\">imminent execution of five political prisoners<\/a>\u00a0in Iran: Vahid Bani-Amerian, Pouya Ghobadi, Shahrokh Daneshvarkar, Mohammad Taghavi, and Babak Alipour. The Iranian regime has transferred them to Ghezel Hesar Prison, a facility notorious for mass executions, placing their lives in grave danger.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/iranian-assemblies\/2025\/08\/iranians-gather-in-aarhus-to-protest-executions-demand-regime-change-and-democracy-in-iran\/77576\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">MEK Supporters in Sydney, Australia Promote \u2018Free Iran\u2019 Rally in Brussels on September 6, 2025<\/h3>\n<div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"MEK Supporters in Sydney, Australia Promote &lsquo;Free Iran&rsquo; Rally in Brussels on September 6, 2025\" style=\"width:853px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe\" id=\"WYL_ail91ayCLTU\" 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%2Fail91ayCLTU%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ail91ayCLTU\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT13S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2025-08-18T20:13:35Z\" \/><\/div><div id=\"lyte_ail91ayCLTU\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fail91ayCLTU%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">MEK Supporters in Sydney, Australia Promote \u2018Free Iran\u2019 Rally in Brussels on September 6, 2025<\/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\/ail91ayCLTU\" 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%2Fail91ayCLTU%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"MEK Supporters in Sydney, Australia Promote &lsquo;Free Iran&rsquo; Rally in Brussels on September 6, 2025\" width=\"853\" height=\"460\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"Sydney, Australia \u2013 August 16, 2025: Supporters of the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK) held a rally and exhibition in Sydney, urging freedom-loving Iranians to take part in the upcoming \u201cFree Iran\u201d demonstration in Brussels on September 6, 2025. The event highlighted the importance of uniting voices across Europe to demand justice, human rights, and a democratic future for Iran.\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:853px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"573\"><strong data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"215\">Sydney, Australia \u2013 August 16, 2025:<\/strong>\u00a0Supporters 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 a rally and exhibition in Sydney, urging freedom-loving Iranians to take part in the upcoming\u00a0<strong data-start=\"368\" data-end=\"430\">\u201cFree Iran\u201d demonstration in Brussels on September 6, 2025<\/strong>. The event highlighted the importance of uniting voices across Europe to demand justice, human rights, and a democratic future for Iran.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"609\" data-end=\"885\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/iranian-assemblies\/2025\/08\/mek-supporters-in-sydney-australia-promote-free-iran-rally-in-brussels-on-september-6-2025\/77571\/\" 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-august-19-2025\/\"><strong>Also, read Iran News in Brief \u2013 August 19, 2025<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS UPDATE: 9:00 PM CEST Iran&rsquo;s Structural Transformations Could Impact Regime Leadership One of the most critical structural challenges facing the Islamic [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":335789,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[234],"tags":[277],"class_list":{"0":"post-335787","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-iran-news-in-brief-news","8":"tag-iran-news"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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