Middle East

Iran intensifies crackdown on dissent with reformist arrests

Azar Mansouri, leader of the primary reformist coalition, is reportedly being detained, coming one month after a nationwide protest was quelled by security forces.

Azar Mansouri, the leader of Iran's primary reformist coalition, is one of several high-profile opposition figures to have been detained in the past few days, according to reports.

Composite image showing Ebrahim Asgharzadeh (L), Azar Mansouri, head of the Reformist Front (C), and Mohsen Aminzadeh (R) — Ebrahim Asgharzadeh (L), Azar Mansouri (C), and Mohsen Aminzadeh (R) are among those reported to have been arrested

This development marks an escalation of the government's efforts to suppress dissent, following the large-scale anti-government demonstrations that took place in January.

Iranian human rights organizations have verified the deaths of over 6,000 protesters, who were violently suppressed by security forces, and have indicated that the actual number of fatalities may be significantly higher.

Mansouri had previously advocated for transparency regarding the events that transpired, urging that the facts not be concealed.

In a recent statement, Mansouri declared, "We will not permit the sacrifices of these individuals to be forgotten or the truth to be obscured," emphasizing the need for accountability.

Among those reportedly taken into custody is Hossein Karroubi, the son of former reformist presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi. Mehdi Karroubi's 2009 presidential bid was marred by controversy, triggering widespread demonstrations and ultimately leading to his prolonged house arrest.

Javad Emam, the reformist coalition's spokesman, is said to be among those detained, alongside coalition members Ebrahim Asgharzadeh and Mohsen Aminzadeh.

According to the Tehran prosecutors' office, the arrested individuals are accused of undermining national unity and allegedly collaborating with the United States and Israel.

The recent arrests deal a setback to President Masoud Pezeshkian, who relied heavily on reformist backing to win the 2024 election.

Although President Pezeshkian initially adopted a more moderate stance towards the protesters, his influence appears to have been significantly diminished.

The Iranian theocratic system has once again highlighted the limitations of Pezeshkian's personal influence and the presidency's authority, as his call for an inquiry into the protests has not gained significant traction.

The recent suppression of prominent reformists suggests a continued effort to stifle moderate voices, coming on the heels of discussions between Iranian and US officials regarding a potential agreement on Iran's nuclear program.

Despite characterizing their initial meeting in Oman as productive, Iranian and US officials have yet to announce any substantial breakthroughs in their talks.

In a sign of hardliners' enduring influence in Iran, Ali Larijani, a key advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, is scheduled to travel to Oman on Tuesday for discussions with Omani mediators, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The ongoing negotiations with the US, under the Trump administration, are centered on addressing concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

The US response to the Iranian regime's actions has sparked criticism from protesters in Iran and their international supporters, who claim that the US has shifted away from its initial promise to take decisive action if the regime used violence against demonstrators.

Despite concerns over a potential escalation, the significant US military presence in the region remains unchanged, maintaining the possibility of a large-scale attack on Iran.

In an effort to avoid conflict, the Iranian regime is exploring diplomatic channels and potential compromises to reduce tensions.

However, the regime's latest crackdown on the remaining opposition is likely to hinder the establishment of trust with the US, making it more challenging to achieve a resolution.

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Middle East

BBC reports from Tehran as Iran commemorates Islamic revolution anniversary

BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet has arrived in Iran, marking her first visit to the country since authorities suppressed widespread demonstrations against the government.

Iran's government has staged a display of strength to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, following a period of intense repression of anti-government demonstrations.

The BBC has gained access to Tehran for the first time since the authorities' crackdown on protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 6,490 people, according to estimates by human rights activists.

Lyse Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent, observes that the capital's streets, adorned with festive decorations and filled with crowds of supporters, reflect the government's desired image of a unified nation, with Iranians demonstrating their allegiance to the Islamic Republic and its founding revolution.

Middle East

BBC reports from Tehran for the first time since the protest crackdown

In Iran, the aftermath of the government’s crackdown on protests remains a sensitive issue, with the effects of the unusually strong measures still being felt, according to Lyse Doucet, reporting from the country.

For the first time since a nationwide crackdown on anti-government demonstrations, a BBC team has entered Iran to report on the current situation.

As Iran commemorates the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, the streets of Tehran are adorned with festive decorations, yet the memory of the recent protests and the subsequent use of force by security personnel remains a sensitive issue.

According to human rights activists, the confirmed number of protester fatalities stands at a minimum of 6,400, although they caution that the actual death toll may ultimately be significantly higher.

Asia

Indonesia plans to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza

As part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement facilitated by the US in the previous year, this nation would become the first to take such action.

Indonesia is making preparations to deploy a contingent of up to 8,000 soldiers to Gaza, marking the first such commitment under the second phase of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States towards the end of last year.

US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto at a signing ceremony for the new Board of Peace, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland (22 January 2026) — President Prabowo Subianto has argued that Indonesia should help to stabilise Gaza

According to General Maruli Simanjuntak, the army's chief of staff, training for these troops is already underway, with a focus on providing medical and engineering support in Gaza.

Indonesia has recently joined the Board of Peace initiated by President Donald Trump, an announcement that was made last month.

The United Nations Security Council has given Indonesia a mandate to establish an International Stabilization Force, tasked with securing border areas in Gaza and overseeing the demilitarization of the territory, including the disarmament of Hamas.

The Board of Peace, scheduled to convene for the first time in Washington on February 19, will also play a role in overseeing the establishment of a new technocratic government in Gaza and guiding post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

While the specifics of the Indonesian troop deployment, including timing and role, have yet to be finalized, it appears that President Prabowo Subianto is moving forward with the plan.

President Subianto's decision to participate in Trump's Board of Peace has drawn criticism from certain Islamic groups within Indonesia, where there is significant public discontent regarding the US role in Israel's military actions in Gaza.

President Subianto has countered that, as the world's most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia has a responsibility to contribute to stabilizing Gaza, with the ultimate goal of achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan indicates that a location in southern Gaza, situated between Rafah and Khan Younis, has been designated for the Indonesian army to construct barracks that will accommodate several thousand troops.

Other Muslim countries, including Turkey and Pakistan, are considering troop deployments as well, but have emphasized that their roles would be limited to peacekeeping and would not involve participation in the planned disarmament of Hamas.

However, given Hamas's refusal to disarm as long as Israel maintains its presence in parts of Gaza, a lasting peace that an international force could support has yet to be achieved.