Articles in this Cluster
21-01-2026
Gunfire erupted in Tehran as heavily armed militias, reportedly linked to Lebanese Hezbollah and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, were deployed across the Iranian capital. The deployment comes amid ongoing nationwide protests driven by economic grievances and opposition to clerical rule. The protests have resulted in significant violence, with reports of at least 4,519 deaths, 5,811 serious injuries, and 26,314 arrests. The Iranian regime has increasingly relied on foreign proxy forces to maintain control, with at least 5,000 foreign elements brought in from Iraq and Hezbollah. The situation remains tense, with clashes between protesters and security forces continuing.
Entities: Tehran, Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
21-01-2026
An Iranian soldier, Javid Khales, has been sentenced to death for refusing to shoot at protesters during a wave of nationwide unrest in Iran. The Iran Human Rights Society reported that Khales was arrested in 2025 during anti-regime demonstrations calling for an end to the country's dictatorship. The human rights group stated that Khales' refusal to execute the order to shoot protesters was an act of humanity, and his subsequent arrest and death sentence have raised concerns about unfair trials and state-sanctioned killings. The Iranian government has been accused of escalating violence against protesters, with reports of thousands of arrests and deaths. The judiciary has been criticized for rushed trials and denying defendants proper legal protections.
Entities: Javid Khales, Iran, Iran Human Rights Society, Isfahan prison, Tehran • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
21-01-2026
Israel has warned Iran amid growing protests, stating it is in 'high readiness' for defense. Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon said Israel is prepared to defend itself and advised Iran not to test its capabilities. The warning comes as Iran faces international pressure over its handling of protests, with the US also expressing support for the protesters. The situation is tense, with both sides exchanging threats.
Entities: Israel, Iran, Danny Danon, United Nations, United States • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
21-01-2026
A 17-year-old aspiring Iranian rapper, Abolfazl Yaghmouri, was killed during the Iranian regime's crackdown on protests. His aunt, Gita Yaghmouri, recounted the tragic events, stating that Abolfazl bled for 40 minutes before dying after being shot by security forces. The family was forced to negotiate with authorities to release Abolfazl's body, who demanded they sign a document falsely claiming he was part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps or pay a 'bullet tax'.
Entities: Abolfazl Yaghmouri, Gita Yaghmouri, Iran, Tehran, Toronto • Tone: emotional • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
21-01-2026
Iran has warned the US not to take action against its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after President Donald Trump called for an end to Khamenei's nearly 40-year reign. Iran's armed forces spokesman Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi stated that any aggression towards Khamenei would be met with severe retaliation. The tension between the US and Iran has been escalating since Iran's crackdown on protests that began in December, with the US drawing red lines over the killing of peaceful protesters and mass executions. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been moved to the Indian Ocean, with speculation it may be headed to the Middle East. The death toll from the protests has reached at least 4,519 people, with fears it could rise further.
Entities: Iran, Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, Politico • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
