On Monday, Iranian authorities arrested four prominent reformist political figures on charges of attempting to disrupt the country’s political and social order. The arrests, which took place late Sunday and early Monday, included Azar Mansouri, head of Iran’s Reformists Front, and Mohsen Aminzadeh, a former diplomat, amidst ongoing tensions and antigovernment protests.
Al Jazeera reports that the judiciary accused the group of organizing activities aimed at destabilizing Iran during a time of perceived military threats from Israel and the U.S. The arrests have been confirmed by the Reformist Front, which stated that Mansouri was taken from her home under a judicial order by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Government’s Iron Fist: A New Era Of Repression
The crackdown follows the deadly January unrest that erupted over economic grievances and spiraled into an antigovernment movement. Iranian authorities have attributed the protests to foreign interference, labeling participants as “terrorists” and blaming Israel and the U.S. for inciting riots.
Aminzadeh, a former deputy foreign minister, and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, a former lawmaker, are among those facing serious allegations.
What Do These Arrests Mean For Dissent?
According to the outlet, the arrests are seen as a sign that Iran is closing any avenues for political dissent. Sina Azodi, director of the Middle East Studies program at George Washington University, noted that the Islamic Republic is opting to rule with “an iron fist, through crackdowns and more fear-mongering among any political dissidents.”
The Iranian clampdown has increased tensions with Washington, where diplomatic efforts are ongoing. President Donald Trump had previously threatened Tehran with attacks if force was used against protesters, which led to indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman.
Political Crackdown Amidst Escalating Protests
Despite the arrests, negotiations between Iran and the U.S. continue, with another round scheduled for next week. President Masoud Pezeshkian described these discussions as “a step forward” and expressed a preference for continued dialogue.
Phyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, told Al Jazeera that she does not expect the arrests to impact the nuclear negotiations, although they coincide with ongoing talks and a planned visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S.
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