Iranian authorities have arrested four individuals, including prominent reformist politicians, accusing them of collaborating with the United States and Israel to destabilize the country.
The arrests come amid tensions following deadly antigovernment protests in January.
The detainees include Azar Mansouri, head of Iran’s Reform Front; Mohsen Aminzadeh, a former diplomat; and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, a former parliamentarian. The fourth individual has not been named.
Iran’s judiciary accused the group of organizing “extensive activities aimed at disrupting the political and social situation” during a period of alleged military threats from the U.S. and Israel. Officials claimed the detainees worked “for the benefit” of foreign powers and attempted to justify violent protests.
Details of detentions
According to the Reform Front, Mansouri was arrested at her home under a judicial order by the intelligence forces of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Summons have also been issued to other senior members of the party, including deputy chairman Mohsen Armin and secretary Badral Sadat Mofidi.
The arrests come as part of a broader crackdown following January’s unrest, which began in Tehran over economic issues but quickly escalated into nationwide antigovernment protests. Thousands of protesters were detained, and Iranian authorities reported 3,117 deaths, while independent organizations estimate higher fatalities.
Background
Mohsen Aminzadeh served as deputy foreign minister under President Mohammad Khatami (1997–2005), while Ebrahim Asgharzadeh is a former student leader involved in the 1979 US embassy takeover. All three detainees have histories of political activism and previous imprisonment, signaling the seriousness of the current charges.
The crackdown in January heightened tensions with the U.S., which warned Iran against using force on protesters. President Donald Trump previously threatened military action and deployed a naval armada to the Gulf, prompting warnings of a potential regional war from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Despite rising tensions, Iran and the U.S. recently held indirect talks in Oman, with government officials signaling a willingness to continue diplomatic dialogue. A new round of negotiations is scheduled for next week.
Military warnings
Iran’s top military commander, Major-General Abdolrahim Mousavi, warned that any attack on Iran could trigger a regional conflict affecting the entire Middle East. While emphasizing that Iran does not desire war, he said aggressors—including the U.S. and Israel—would bear the consequences.
