Political activist and human rights advocate
As we mark the 36th anniversary of the 1988 mass execution of political prisoners in Iran, we are confronted with a stark reminder of the ongoing repression that persists in silencing the voices of those who demand justice.
Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones against Israel early on Sunday, after Israeli jets anticipating the barrage extensively bombarded southern Lebanon in a pre-emptive attack reducing the dimensions of Hezbollah's strike.
Hezbollah’s decision to strike was in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander in Beirut last month, the Iranian-backed group said, as Israel's cabinet met to prepare a response.
Since the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, the world was expecting an Iranian retaliation, directly or through Hezbollah and Tehran’s other proxy forces in the region.
Israeli jets hit targets in Lebanon shortly before the strikes as the military assessed that Hezbollah was preparing to begin the barrage, the military said.
Hezbollah said it had launched more than 320 Katyusha rockets towards Israel and hit 11 military targets. It said the barrage had completed "the first phase" of its response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior commander, in Beirut but that the full response would take "some time".
There was no statement by Iranian officials at the time of this publication and government-controlled media only carried the Hezbollah statement.
Israel's cabinet was to meet at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced.
A few hours later, Israel's military said it carried out further attacks against Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon. "In the last hour, the IDF struck Hezbollah launchers in several areas in southern Lebanon to remove threats," the military said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel would respond to developments on the ground but did not seek a full-scale war. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would do whatever necessary to defend itself.
"We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel. We are closely following developments in Beirut, and we are determined to use all the means at our disposal in order to defend our citizens," Gallant said in a statement.
Most of the Israeli strikes were hitting targets in southern Lebanon but the military was ready to strike anywhere there was a threat, an Israeli military spokesperson said.
Gallant declared a state of emergency, and flights to and from Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv were suspended for around 90 minutes, but the airports authority said normal operations were expected to resume soon.
In northern Israel, warning sirens sounded, and multiple explosions were heard around several areas as Israel's Iron Dome aerial defense system shot down rockets coming from southern Lebanon. Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service said it was on high alert all over the country.
The Israeli military issued civil defense instructions from central Israel to the north, limiting gatherings but authorizing people to go to work as long as they were able to reach air raid shelters quickly. There were no casualties immediately reported in Israel, according to the ambulance service.
Fears of regional conflict
A security source in Lebanon said at least 40 Israeli strikes had hit various towns in the country's south in one of the densest bombardments since hostilities began in October.
A resident of the southern Lebanese town of Zibqeen, some 7 km (4 miles) from the border, told Reuters it was the first time he had awakened "to the sound of planes and the loud explosions of rockets - even before the dawn prayer. It felt like the apocalypse."
Israel's Army Radio, citing defense officials, said the military assessed that Hezbollah had been preparing to fire hundreds of missiles into central Israel in an attack planned for 5 a.m.
Around 100 Israeli jets foiled the Hezbollah missile strikes, beginning their attack half an hour beforehand, the report said, adding that the military assessed the subsequent Hezbollah barrage was "improvised".
"Dozens of (Israeli Air Force) jets are currently striking targets in various locations in southern Lebanon. We are continuing to remove threats, and to intensively strike against the Hezbollah terrorist organization," said a military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
The Israel-Hezbollah escalation has drawn fears of a wider regional conflict, potentially involving both the United States and Iran. President Joe Biden was following events closely, the White House said.
"At his direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts. We will keep supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability," said National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.
Iran has hinted that if there is ceasefire in Gaza it might reconsider retaliation for Haniyeh’s killing, or significantly limit its dimensions. It appears important for Tehran to save Hamas from a military defeat.
The strikes came as negotiators were meeting in Cairo in a last-ditch effort to conclude a halt to fighting in Gaza and a return of Israeli and foreign hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel immediately after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas gunmen on Israel. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire constantly ever since, while avoiding a major escalation as war rages in Gaza to the south.
With Reporting by Reuters
New data from the Central Bank of Iran reveals that the total value of bounced checks in the country surged to an unprecedented 1000 trillion rials ($1.7 billion, based on the open market exchange rate) in July 2024.
The report indicates that 10.6% of all issued checks were returned in terms of volume, and 15.7% in terms of value during the past month.
Historical data from the Central Bank shows that the number of bounced checks in July reached its highest level since May 2020, when the country was grappling with the COVID-19 crisis. In total, nearly 912,000 checks worth approximately 1000 trillion rials were returned during the fourth month of Iran’s fiscal year (June 21-July 21).
The report does not detail the distribution of bounced checks between companies and individuals but highlights that over 30% of the returned checks (by volume) were recorded in the capital, Tehran. More than 11% were in Isfahan, 7.4% in Razavi Khorasan, 7.4% in East Azerbaijan, and 5.6% in Yazd. These provinces are key industrial hubs and contribute significantly to the country's GDP.
The Central Bank has also not provided an explanation for the continued surge in the number and value of bounced checks since the beginning of this year.
An increase in bounced checks, whether in the individual or corporate sectors, indicates a worsening economic situation in the country.
Iranian officials have pointed to a 4.5% economic growth in the past year and have repeatedly claimed that the country’s economic situation is improving. However, details of last year’s economic growth reveal that two main factors driving the economy were increased government expenditures and oil revenues. The oil and gas sector saw a growth of around 14.7% based on 2011 constant prices, while government spending grew by 17%. Without these two elements, Iran’s economic growth would be flat or negative.
OPEC and international agency data show that Iran’s oil production growth has nearly stalled in recent months, making it unlikely for the country’s GDP to rise again through increased oil exports.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also forecasted that Iran’s GDP growth at 3.3% in 2024 and 3.1% for 2025, far below the 2023 level.
A police officer was injured during an apparent arson attack at a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, a town in southern France, amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a car, which had been set ablaze, exploded in the synagogue's car park. The explosion, which appears to have been deliberate, is being treated as a targeted antisemitic attack, prompting an increase in security measures at Jewish institutions across the country.
Jason Brodsky, the policy director for United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), described the incident, stating on X that it had "shades of IRGC terrorists' arson attempts."
Since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, Iran has vowed revenge. However, they have yet to take direct action, leading some to speculate that Iran may be considering targeting Israelis in other countries as a form of retaliation.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has condemned the attack, describing it as an act of antisemitism. He stated, "Once more, our Jewish compatriots are targeted," and emphasized the government's commitment to not being intimidated by such acts of violence. The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has taken charge of the investigation, and authorities are currently searching for the suspect responsible for the attack.
Local reports indicate that two cars were set on fire in the synagogue's parking area at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time. One of these vehicles contained at least one gas bottle, which exploded during the incident. The timing of the explosion, coinciding with the expected arrival of worshippers, suggests a deliberate attempt to cause harm to members of the Jewish community.
Yonathan Arfi, head of CRIF, an umbrella organization representing French Jewish groups, condemned the attack, stating, "Exploding a gas bottle in a car in front of the Grande Motte synagogue at the expected time of arrival of the faithful: it's not just attacking a place of worship, it's an attempt to kill Jews."
The injured police officer, who was at the scene, has been reported to be in stable condition, with no threat to their life. In response to the attack, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that police protection for synagogues, Jewish schools, and shops would be reinforced nationwide.
This incident unfolded against the backdrop of Israel's National Security Council issuing heightened safety guidelines for Israelis attending the Olympics last month, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Iran-backed terrorist organizations targeting Israeli and Jewish individuals. The NSC also cited recent arrests of French teenagers with ties to the Islamic State, further illustrating the complex security landscape.
The chief-commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) hinted at an imminent retaliatory attack on Israel on Saturday, adding fuel to speculations that the long-awaited avenging of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh may take place in coming days.
Iranian officials have been outspoken in their vows to avenge Haniyeh's killing, which they blame on Israel. However, the daily headlines predicting an 'imminent attack' from Iran against Israel since the killing of Haniyeh haven't materialized yet.
"You will hear good news about Iran's revenge," IRGC Chief-Commander Hossein Salami told a crowd of people during a visit to a border area in western Iran, when asked about the promised retaliation.
Media reports and official remarks suggest that Iran may proceed with its promised retaliation following the end of Arba'een pilgrimage on Monday, with Israeli media anticipating an attack by Lebanon's Hezbollah "in coming days".
Israel estimates that Hezbollah's retaliation strike will come within the next few days and may be "rapid and immediate," Israel's Channel 12 reported.
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Saturday Israel is ahead of "a significant week amid the ongoing negotiations in Cairo, the fighting in Gaza and [on] the northern border. Our readiness is very high in attack and defense."
Hagari also called on the public to continue to be alert, adding that the military will update on "any development immediately."
On August 13, Reuters quoted three Iranian officials as saying that only a ceasefire deal in Gaza stemming from the ongoing talks would hold Iran back from direct retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Haniyeh. However, Iranian authorities have publicly announced that the response to Israel is not related to the Gaza ceasefire, though Tehran may launch the attack in a way that would not harm the truce talks.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a Saturday phone call with his Egyptian counterpart underscored the Islamic Republic's "legitimate right to respond" to Israel's killing of Haniyeh in Tehran.
As part of diplomatic efforts to prevent further destabilization, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in his conversation with Araghchi expressed hope that mediation efforts could "ease regional tensions and prevent a cycle of violence and escalation."
Top US general, General Charles Brown, began an unannounced visit to the Middle East on Saturday, signaling Washington's concern over the potential for a new escalation in tensions that could lead to a broader conflict.
Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the need to deter any type of broader escalation and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to avoid a larger conflict.
“As I talk to my counterparts, what are the things we can do to deter any type of broader escalation and ensure we're taking all the appropriate steps to [avoid]... a broader conflict," Brown told Reuters before landing in Jordan.
Brown's visit to the region, which includes stops in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, comes at a critical time as the United States seeks to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The Saudi channel Al-Hadath reported Saturday that Hamas has rejected the American proposal and firmly opposes any Israeli presence along the Philadelphia Axis and the Netzarim corridor, further complicating the prospects of a truce.
The conflict, now in its 11th month, has already triggered border clashes between Israel and Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah. US troops have also come under attack by Iran-aligned militias in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, further complicating the situation.
Iranian authorities have ramped up their crackdown on nationwide nurses' protests, resulting in multiple arrests and one nurse falling into a coma after her detention.
Among those detained is Firoozeh Mojrian-Shargh, a nurse at Qaem Hospital in Mashhad, who was arrested on Tuesday night by security forces. Shortly after her detention, Mojrian-Shargh fell into a coma, raising serious concerns about her treatment in custody.
Mojrian-Shargh remains in critical condition in the ICU, her case drawing parallels to the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, who received traumatic head injuries and died after being detained by Iran’s morality police in 2022. Her death sparked widespread protests that lasted until early 2023 during which security forces killed atleast 550 people.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Iranian authorities to suppress the growing protests, which began on August 5 and have since escalated into widespread strikes affecting around 50 hospitals and medical centers across seven provinces. Nurses, frustrated by the government's unfulfilled promises and unpaid wages. They have been chanting slogans such as "We've heard many promises, but seen no answers" and "Our patience has run out."
In addition to Mojrian-Shargh, Zahra Tamadon, the head nurse of Ward 10 at Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, was detained on Wednesday, along with several other nurses.
According to Norway-based rights group Hengaw, her arrest may be linked to the recent protests and strikes. Additionally, two protesting nurses were arrested in Arak, further illustrating the sweeping nature of the crackdown. According to information received by Iran International, at least 18 protesting nurses have been summoned to security agencies in recent days across various cities.
Despite the intensified crackdowns, nurses in several Iranian cities, including Khorramabad in western Iran, Babol in the north, Khomeyni Shahr in central Iran, and Sabzevar in the northeast, launched a fresh wave of strikes and rallies on Saturday, continuing their demands for better pay, elimination of mandatory overtime, and improved working conditions.
The protests gained momentum after the death of 32-year-old nurse Parvaneh Mandani on August 2, reportedly due to over-work-induced Karoshi syndrome, which has become a rallying point for healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, reports emerged on Friday that another Iranian nurse, Elaheh Kazemi, has fallen into a coma due to extreme work-related stress.
Kazemi, who worked in clinics in Tehran, had been suffering from severe fatigue and body pain, which led her to frequently use painkillers. Her brother shared in an Instagram video that Kazemi has been unconscious for five days and is currently hospitalized at Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran.
These incidents highlight the dire working conditions faced by healthcare workers in Iran. Mohammad Reza Sharifi-Moghaddam, Secretary-General of the Nursing House, revealed that in just one month, three nurses died in their sleep, deaths attributed to "Karoshi syndrome," a condition caused by extreme overwork.
Iran’s new Health Minister, Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, admitted that the government owes nurses a staggering 75 trillion rials (approximately $117 million) in unpaid wages but offered only vague assurances that the payments would be made “as soon as possible.” That amount is a huge sum in Iran where nurses earn just $200 a month.
As Iran’s healthcare crisis deepens, the state’s prioritization of suppressing dissent over addressing the systemic issues driving the nurses' protests underscores a broader strategy focused on maintaining control rather than resolving the underlying problems that have led to widespread unrest.