In a recent speech, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, admitted that thousands of people were killed during the recent protests, while placing blame on the United States for the casualties. The demonstrations, which began on December 28th due to economic concerns, evolved into calls for the leader’s removal, leading to a violent government response and a near-total internet blackout. Reports from various groups, including the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), indicate a high death toll, while restricted internet access has made it challenging to ascertain accurate information. Although reports of unrest have decreased in recent days, the situation remains unclear as security forces continue to patrol the streets.
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According to digital rights activists, Iran is reportedly planning a permanent separation from the global internet, restricting access to a filtered version for those with security clearance. This transition, which has been signaled by state media, would leave the majority of Iranians with access only to a domestic, government-controlled internet, a move that is part of a 16-year effort to control the country’s online activity. The regime has been developing this national internet since 2009, utilizing advanced filtering and monitoring systems, potentially with technology from China, and enforcing infrastructural moves within the country. While authorities believe the current shutdown has helped them control the situation, experts warn of severe economic and cultural consequences.
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Trump informed Iran he does not intend to attack, asked Tehran to exercise restraint. It’s really something, isn’t it? The sheer back-and-forth, the pronouncements followed by what seems to be a complete reversal. It’s a political thriller playing out in real-time, and it’s difficult to keep up with the twists and turns. The core of it seems to be this: signals from the former President indicated a clear message to the Iranian leadership that an immediate military strike was not on the table. Simultaneously, however, there were strong requests for Tehran to dial back on certain actions, implying a need for de-escalation from Iran’s side.… Continue reading
Canadian dies in Iran at the hands of the authorities, says Ottawa, and it’s understandably a deeply troubling situation. My synthesized thoughts on this are that it immediately brings to mind a cascade of concerns, not just for the individual and their family, but also for the broader implications of this event on international relations and the safety of Canadians abroad. The news is a stark reminder of the complexities and risks that can arise when navigating international travel, particularly in regions with volatile political climates.
Canadian dies in Iran at the hands of the authorities, says Ottawa, and this naturally prompts a critical look at the circumstances surrounding their presence in Iran.… Continue reading
President Trump stated Wednesday, citing “good authority,” that executions in Iran have stopped, despite Tehran indicating fast trials and executions for detained protesters. The president did not specify the source of his information, only describing it as coming from “very important sources on the other side.” Trump’s claims come after promising aid to protesting Iranians, but he offered no details on potential U.S. action. Iranian officials have since signaled a “decisive response” to any U.S. or Israeli intervention, while reports from a U.S.-based human rights agency detail thousands of deaths.
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The US Treasury Secretary has observed Iranian leaders attempting to move tens of millions of dollars out of the country through various financial institutions. This activity follows widespread protests in late December 2025 that escalated into calls for regime change, resulting in a violent crackdown by security forces. The Treasury Department is committed to tracing these assets, whether through traditional banking systems or digital assets, to prevent Iranian leaders from retaining them. Reports from Israel indicate that $1.5 billion has been transferred to Dubai via cryptocurrency in the last few days, with the Supreme Leader’s son allegedly involved.
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Iranian state television aired a direct threat against US President Donald Trump, using imagery from the 2024 campaign rally shooting, stating “This time it will not miss the target.” This broadcast, interpreted as a direct threat, occurred amid reports of troop movements by the United States and warnings from Trump of a strong response if Iran escalates its crackdown on protesters. Iranian officials dismissed the remarks as a pretext for military intervention, as protests and security deployments continue in the country following economic hardships and internal unrest. The situation follows the claims of a retaliatory attack by Iran at Al Udeid Air Base outside Doha, Qatar.
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According to European and Israeli officials, US military intervention in Iran could occur imminently, although details remain unclear. The US and UK are withdrawing military personnel from key bases in the region as a precautionary measure amid heightened tensions. This follows warnings from Iran that it would target US bases in neighboring countries if Washington launches strikes. Furthermore, several nations, including Poland and Italy, are advising their citizens to leave Iran, mirroring a prior advisory from the US.
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Early Thursday morning, Iran temporarily closed its airspace, impacting international flights. The closure, which was initially scheduled for two hours, was later extended, causing disruptions for airlines like IndiGo and forcing a Russian Aeroflot flight to return to Moscow. Western military officials indicated imminent US military action, with the US President stating they would “watch and see what the process is”. In response to the heightened tensions, various nations have urged their citizens to depart Iran, and the US has withdrawn military personnel from a base in Qatar.
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Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian man, is scheduled to be executed on January 15th in Tehran for participating in anti-government protests. He was arrested last week and will be the first individual executed for involvement in the demonstrations. Despite global outcry and the denial of legal counsel and a fair trial, Soltani’s family was granted a mere ten minutes to say their goodbyes. The circumstances surrounding his case have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood