Iran has intensified operations against government opponents across the country, with authorities announcing the arrest of hundreds of individuals. According to the Iranian government, the US and Israel are facing setbacks in their efforts to escalate tensions in the region. The government claims that the US and Israel are attempting to engineer a regime change in Iran, targeting the Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij Forces.
This comes as a recent wave of Israeli attacks has resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Security Chief Ali Larijani and Basij Commander Gholam Reza Suleimani. Israeli media have also reported the deaths of several other high-ranking commanders. The Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated that they have been forced to target infrastructure linked to American companies after the attacks on Iranian energy installations.
In a statement, Iranian Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Eje’i said that the US is suffering consecutive defeats and that the international community is seeking the help of the world’s powers to resolve the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate development, the Iranian Judiciary has confirmed the death sentence of a young man, Koroush Kiyan, who was accused of spying for Israel.
According to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, operations were carried out in 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces, resulting in the failure of 111 alleged “regime-loving cells” tasked with planning anti-government activities. In the city of Karaj, near Tehran, some arrested individuals have been accused of disrespecting images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
US media have reported that President Donald Trump wants to continue his partnership with Saudi Arabia despite the current tensions. The Iranian government has also stated that the arrested individuals were found with arms.
In a joint statement, the governments of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands have expressed their commitment to maintaining stability in the energy markets and have offered to help resolve the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that the Israeli city of Haifa’s power plant has been targeted, resulting in power outages in various areas of the city. Captain Hawkins has stated that the plane landed safely and that the pilot’s condition is stable, with investigations ongoing.
Gas prices have increased to a record high in the UK and Europe, with Iranian media claiming that the country’s energy crisis has worsened.
Bahrain’s Meteorological Centre has reported that the crescent moon was not visible in the country, indicating that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 21.
Former Pakistani General Abdul Qayyum has stated that Pakistan is in the best position to broker a peace deal between the US and Iran, as the Muslim world lacks leadership.
