In a move to maintain its influence in Syria after Bashar al-Assad's ouster, Iran has opened direct communication with rebel groups within Syria's new leadership. Despite concerns over losing a key ally and facing potential pressure from the incoming US administration, Iranian officials are keen on establishing ties with those whose views align with their own in the new Syrian government. This engagement is seen as crucial to stabilizing ties and preventing further tensions in the region, as a hostile post-Assad Syria would have implications for Iranian access to the Mediterranean and their relationship with Hezbollah and Israel.
In a significant development in the Syrian conflict, rebels have captured towns just miles from Damascus, the capital of the country. With the regime's military sending reinforcements to defend the key city of Homs, the insurgents are said to be moving towards Damascus from southern Syria. Assad's allies, including Russia and Iran, have been preoccupied with other conflicts, leaving the Syrian leader increasingly isolated. This development raises concerns about the future of Assad's regime and the ongoing crisis in Syria.
In a major escalation of the ongoing war in Syria, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have seized control over the city of Daraa, near Jordan. This makes Daraa the fourth key Syrian territory to fall to the militants in the past week, destabilizing the political landscape of the country and prompting concern from neighboring countries like Iran. The insurgent offensive has also been hindered by regional conflicts involving Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. If the rebels continue to make gains, they could potentially cut off Damascus from the coast, a stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. As a result, thousands of civilians have already fled towards the coast to escape the violence.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has written to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to intervene and secure the release of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds. Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned by Iran for 10 years, is in a precarious state of health and urgently needs comprehensive medical treatment. Ahead of Iran's review under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, Mathai is urging UNHRC to compel the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi so she can receive proper care for her serious medical conditions.
Iran International reveals that Mojtaba Khamenei has been secretly chosen as the successor to his ailing father and current supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The decision was allegedly made under pressure and threats from Khamenei's representatives, causing controversy and uncertainty among Iran's Assembly of Experts. This succession could have major political implications for Iran and its relationship with neighboring countries, especially amid tensions with Israel.
As Iran braces for a turbulent political future amid widespread protests and ongoing tensions with Israel, speculation is rising that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been secretly chosen as the nation's next Supreme Leader. Amid reports of Khamenei's failing health, a recent secret meeting of Iran's Assembly of Experts allegedly resulted in the unanimous selection of Mojtaba as his successor. However, this succession comes with its own set of challenges as the political landscape in Iran has polarized and other influential figures who could serve as kingmakers have died, leaving the future of Iran's leadership uncertain.
According to a report by Iran International, Iran's Assembly of Experts has secretly elected Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor while the 85-year-old leader battles a serious illness. The selection was made on September 26 in a highly secretive meeting called by Khamenei without prior notice, indicating a potential power shift in Iran. Mojtaba has been groomed for leadership and is seen as Khamenei's most trusted and influential confidant, with sources saying the transition could happen during his father's lifetime to ensure a smooth handover of power.
The president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has expressed his government's willingness to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resolve any concerns about their nuclear program. This comes as IAEA chief Rafael Grossi visits Tehran, amidst concerns about escalating tensions in the region, including the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. Grossi stressed the importance of achieving results in the ongoing nuclear talks in order to prevent further conflict and avoid any potential attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
A female student at a university in Tehran made a powerful statement against hijab harassment by campus security officers by stripping down to her underwear. The incident, captured in widely circulated videos on social media, occurred after the student was physically attacked for not wearing a headscarf inside Azad University’s science and research centre. Despite her subsequent detention by authorities, the student's act of resistance ignited a conversation about the mistreatment of women in Iran.
In Tehran, Iran, a female student was arrested by security forces after stripping down to her undergarments outside of a university in protest against hijab restrictions. The incident, captured in videos shared on social media, has sparked outrage and debate regarding the strict dress code mandated for women in public in Iran. The student's bold act of defiance has brought attention to the ongoing battle for women's rights in the country.