THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 8:00 PM
Iran Further Increases Its Stockpile Of Uranium Enriched To Near Weapons-Grade Levels, Watchdog Says
VIENNA (AP) — Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report on Monday by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the latest in Tehran’s attempts to steadily exert pressure on the international community.
Iran is seeking to have economic sanctions imposed over the country’s controversial nuclear program lifted in exchange for slowing the program down. The program — as all matters of state in Iran — are under the guidance of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and that likely won’t change in the wake of last week’s helicopter crash that killed Iran’s president and foreign minister.
The report by the International Atomic Energy Agency also comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the wider Middle East over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes on each other’s territory for the first time last month.
UPDATE: 1:30 PM
The EU’s Pathetic Crocodile Tears For Iranian Hangman
BERLIN — Diplomacy, as one 20th-century American journalist put it, “is to do and say the nastiest things in the nicest way.”
European statesmen from Machiavelli to Metternich to Bismarck perfected the form. But as this week’s sudden, unlamentable demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (a.k.a. “The Butcher of Tehran”) proved, the diplomatic rapier thrust cloaked in the mannerly prose of a note verbale is a lost art in Europe.
“The EU expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident,” European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X.
UPDATE: 11:30 AM
The UN Should Memorialize the Iranian President’s Victims, Not Raisi Himself
These formulaic gestures are unlikely to earn much goodwill from the Iranian regime, which has a long history of openly flouting international law and denying the UN’s authority. Conversely, the implied praise for Raisi’s legacy is sure to be received as an insult by the vast majority of the Iranian people.
Although the Iranian regime and its state media have been making every effort to promote an image of widespread public grief over Raisi’s death, the reality is that many Iranians greeted the news with celebratory dancing, fireworks, and the exchange of sweets. The National Council of Resistance of Iran issued a statement explaining:
Iran’s Agenda to Destabilise The Region and Europe
Iranian Protesters Express ‘Joy’ Over Death Of President Ebrahim Raisi In Helicopter Crash
Iranian protesters have expressed “joy” over the death of President Ebrahim Raisi who was dubbed the “butcher of Tehran”.
Speaking to Sky News’ The World With Yalda Hakim, three Iranians spoke on the condition of anonymity over fears of being tracked down by the country’s regime. A protest leader – who is currently in hiding – suggested Sunday’s crash, which also killed Iran’s foreign minister, was “pre-planned”.
“We may not be across everything, but it’s been a known fact for a long time that Raisi was a serious contender to replace Supreme Leader Khamenei, and perhaps some didn’t want that to happen.
The Rotten Iranian Regime Is on The Edge of Collapse
It’s hard not to see the death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last week as a reflection of the Islamic Republic’s institutional decrepitude. As is generally the case when the mullahs find themselves under pressure, their default position is to blame the West.
In the warped universe Iran’s rulers inhabit, the helicopter crash that killed Raisi and seven others, including the foreign minister, was not due to the incompetence of those responsible for operating and maintaining the aircraft. The blame apparently lies squarely with the West for imposing the sanctions that have denied Tehran the ability to purchase the aviation parts required to maintain the US Bell 212 helicopter in which the Iranian leader perished.
UPDATE: 7:30 AM
PMOI Resistance Units Defy Repression with Widespread Activities across Iran
In the face of a repressive regime, the Resistance Units of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) continued to expand their activities across Iran, calling for regime change and the establishment of a democratic republic that rejects both the Shah regime and the mullahs’ rule. These courageous activists are reiterating their commitment to overthrow the ruling theocracy and establish a democratic, secular republic based on the separation of religion and state.
At least 3,000 activities were documented in dozens of cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Ahvaz, Damavand, Amol, Zahedan, Lahijan, Semnan, Rasht, Shiraz, and Babol.
In their activities, the Resistance Units touched on several key themes, including support for the Ten-Point Plan of Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) for a free, secular, and non-nuclear republic of Iran.
Condolences For Raisi’s Death Met With Global Scorn
Iran is still rejoicing in the death of a notorious executioner who is responsible for the death of thousands of political prisoners, protesters, and other Iranians who want to live in freedom and decency. The satisfaction and joy from the death of regime president Ebrahim Raisi extended beyond the streets and cities of Iran, affecting many countries and influential political figures. Some personalities, through messages or media interviews, expressed their satisfaction at the elimination of a symbol of crime, massacre, and genocide, and congratulated the people of Iran.
This is a rare occasion where, after the death of a country’s president, the formal rules, and protocols of sending condolence messages to the rulers are challenged, with many personalities, parliamentarians, and political officials sending congratulatory messages instead.
Iran’s Economic Realities Under Raisi’s Presidency
Iran’s economic indicators during Ebrahim Raisi’s presidency have shown some positive signs, but a closer examination reveals many caveats and uncertainties surrounding these apparent improvements. A detailed analysis is difficult due to the lack of transparency, with the government often blaming previous administrations for economic crises.
One glaring example is the suspension of the Central Bank’s report on the implementation of the state budget since late 2017 during Hassan Rouhani’s presidency. When the reports were finally released last year for 2018-2021, it was revealed that one-third of the government budget was unrealized, leading to extensive borrowing.
Zhina Modarres Gorji, Kurdish Women’s Rights Activist Sentenced to 21 Years in Iran
Zhina Modarres Gorji, a Kurdish journalist and women’s rights activist from Sanandaj, has faced significant challenges due to her activism. She was arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests in Iran and has been sentenced to 21 years in prison. Additionally, she has been exiled to Hamedan Central Prison by the Iranian regime. The charges against Zhina Modarres Gorji are serious and include various allegations related to her activism. According to the verdict issued by the 1st branch of the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court, she has been found guilty of the following offenses:
1. Forming an illegal group and aiming to overthrow the regime: This charge carries a 10-year prison sentence.
Portsmouth, England—May 24, 2024: Freedom-Loving Iranians Exhibition to Support the Iranian Revolution
Portsmouth—May 24, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and academics living in England, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), organized a book exhibition and petition collection to back the Iranian Revolution.
Paris, May 25, 2024: Exhibition by MEK Supporters in Solidarity With the Iranian Revolution
Paris, France—May 25, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organized an exhibition and book display. This exhibition was held in solidarity with the Iranian Revolution and as a protest against the increasing wave of executions carried out by the Iranian regime.
Berlin, Germany—May 25, 2024: MEK Supporters Exhibition in Solidarity With the Iranian Revolution
Berlin, Germany—May 25, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held an exhibition to express solidarity with the Iranian Revolution. They also protested against the increasing wave of executions carried out by the Iranian regime.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – May 26, 2024