IranWire

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic, claiming that a drone was downed in the skies over Shiraz, alleged that the wreckage could serve as “new evidence” of the participation of certain regional countries in attacks against Iran. Esmaeil Baghaei, in a post on his X account, claimed that preliminary investigations suggest the drone may belong to countries in the region that, according to him, have played a role in “aggression and other crimes” alongside Israel and the United States. According to the spokesperson, this could indicate the “active complicity” of certain regional actors in recent developments. Baghaei did not specifically name the two countries he referred to as being “adjacent to Iran.” The Iranian official also emphasized that countries owning or operating this type of drone must provide explanations and be held accountable for how it was deployed. However, further details regarding the exact location of the downing, the drone’s technical specifications, or the potential owner country have not been released.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a post published on the social media platform Truth Social on the afternoon of Friday, April 3, addressed recent developments in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. He wrote that, with a little more time, the United States could easily open the strait, take the oil, and reap a massive profit. Donald Trump wrote: “With a little more time, we can easily open the Strait of Hormuz, take the oil, and make a huge profit. Could this be a massive oil gusher for the world?” In recent days, debates have intensified regarding how to secure maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside the apparent reluctance of European nations to participate in such efforts. Reports indicate that many European powers, including France, Britain, and Germany, are not in favor of providing military escorts along this route.

The IRGC Intelligence Organization in West Azerbaijan Province announced on Friday, April 3, the arrest of five individuals accused of “communicating with the Mossad spy service.” In a statement released by the agency, it was claimed that these individuals were identified and detained within the past 48 hours during “intelligence monitoring and surveillance.” According to the IRGC, the detainees are accused of transmitting information regarding “important and residential locations” to foreign parties to be targeted in potential strikes. Security officials of the Islamic Republic further alleged that these individuals were in contact with what they termed the “International terrorist network.” These claims come as no independent details regarding the identities of the detainees, the circumstances of their arrest, or the evidence against them have been made public. In recent months, coinciding with the start of nationwide protests, the widespread crackdown and killing of civilians, and the subsequent escalation of regional tensions, the wave of citizen arrests in Iran on charges such as “cooperation with foreign media” or “links to foreign intelligence services” has seen a dramatic increase. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned about the lack of transparency in these cases and the high risk of violating the defendants’ rights.

In an exclusive report, the website Axios has revealed that the U.S. government expelled the Deputy Representative of Iran to the United Nations, claiming the decision was made for reasons related to “national security.” According to the report, the U.S. State Department sent an official note to the Iranian Mission to the UN in December 2025, requesting that Saadat Aghajani, Iran’s Deputy Permanent Representative, leave the United States. Axios notes that this decision was not publicly announced at the time and is only now being reported by the media for the first time. Citing “informed sources,” Axios reported that the U.S. government provided no specific details regarding the grounds for the action, referring only to “security concerns.” U.S. officials have declined further comment, citing privacy considerations and security matters as the reason for their silence. The report also indicates that this was not an isolated incident; in recent months, at least three Iranian diplomats in New York have been expelled from the country by U.S. authorities. Axios evaluates these moves as a sign of Washington’s heightened security sensitivity regarding the activities of Iranian diplomats on U.S. soil, an issue that has gained increased significance amidst the intensifying tensions between the two nations.

Amid the ongoing conditions resulting from the war between Israel/the U.S. and the Islamic Republic, and following widespread closures of schools and universities, government officials have announced an 80% reduction in office personnel in Tehran following the Nowruz holidays. Zabihullah Salmani, the Deputy for Human Capital of the Administrative and Employment Affairs Organization, told media outlets on Friday, April 3, that following the Nowruz holidays, “approximately 20% of office staff in Tehran” will report to their workplaces. Referring to the current situation, he stated that employees who are still traveling and are not considered essential personnel should postpone their return until the end of the week. According to this government official, the decision was made to reduce traffic congestion, manage the current circumstances more effectively, and ensure the continuity of essential services. In recent days, alongside ongoing hostilities and mounting security concerns, many educational institutions and various administrative activities in Tehran and several other cities have faced restrictions or complete closures.

Reports published by media outlets affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claim that an “American pilot has been captured” by the forces of the Islamic Republic. On Friday, April 3, the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency, citing its correspondent in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, reported that following the “destruction of an advanced American fighter jet” by the IRGC this morning, the pilot ejected from the aircraft and landed within Iranian territory. According to the report, some sources claimed that U.S. forces attempted to extract the pilot across the Iranian border; however, the Tasnim correspondent alleged that the pilot was instead “captured by Iranian forces.” Notably, none of these claims has been confirmed by independent or official international sources. CENTCOM (U.S. Central Command) has previously issued statements denying the Islamic Republic’s claims regarding the downing or destruction of United States fighter jets. As of the time of this report, official U.S. military authorities and other credible sources have not commented on the timing, exact location, or potential identity of the pilot. The Islamic Republic has previously made similar claims regarding the downing of aircraft and the fate of pilots during the “12-Day War,” assertions that were subsequently debunked.

Mohammad-Hassan Abutorabi-Fard, the Tehran Friday Prayer Leader, reiterated the continuation of the Islamic Republic’s regional policies, stating that support for the “Axis of Resistance” remains a priority for the Iranian government and will continue “with strength.” Speaking during his Friday sermons on April 3, he addressed the situation within Iran, saying: “Today, Iran’s public squares are the objective embodiment of republicanism, religious democracy, and the bond between the nation and the sovereignty.” Abutorabi-Fard also claimed that Iran has reached a level of “intellectual, moral, spiritual, and political power” which, along with its military strength, has, in his words, “halted the American war machine.” Continuing his criticism of U.S. policy, the Tehran Friday Prayer Leader described Washington’s approach as a mix of “diplomatic isolation, external pressure, media warfare, and military intervention,” adding that the world no longer sees the United States as the dominant power it once was. He further stated that the confrontation between Iran and the United States is not “merely a limited political dispute” but, according to him, has evolved into a broader global “struggle against America’s hegemonic policies.”

The General Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Friday, April 3, confirming the death of Behnam Rezaei, the Deputy of Intelligence for the IRGC Navy. In the statement, Behnam Rezaei was described as a longtime companion and aide to Alireza Tangsiri, the former commander of the IRGC Navy. On March 27, the Israeli military had announced that Alireza Tangsiri and Behnam Rezaei - two high-ranking IRGC naval officials - were killed during a series of strikes. According to the Israeli military, Behnam Rezaei was involved in intelligence gathering regarding regional countries and was responsible for coordinating between various intelligence agencies. The IRGC, however, did not provide specific details regarding the timing or circumstances of Rezaei’s death in its statement.

As tensions rise and the war involving the Islamic Republic, the United States, and Israel deepens, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has laid out a proposed roadmap for ending the fighting and reaching a broader peace deal in an article published by Foreign Affairs magazine, a plan he says must go “beyond a temporary ceasefire.” In the article, Zarif argues that a ceasefire “without addressing the roots of the crisis” would only delay further conflict. He says that, under a multilateral agreement, Iran would “continue uranium enrichment at a limited level under full international supervision,” “refrain from any movement toward nuclear weapons production,” and “reduce its stockpiles of enriched uranium.” He also names the “reopening of the Strait of Hormuz” and “guaranteeing the security of international shipping” as commitments the Islamic Republic would undertake under the proposal. In return, Zarif urges the United States and its allies to “lift all economic sanctions against the Iranian government,” “pave the way for Iran’s full return to the global economy,” and “participate in the reconstruction of Iran’s damaged infrastructure.” The former foreign minister also proposed signing a “non-aggression pact” between Iran and the U.S., describing it as a key step toward preventing future hostilities. In another section of this piece, Zarif also stated the need for trust-building measures, saying that economic cooperation, joint investments, and the reopening of diplomatic and consular channels could help ease tensions. According to him, a gradual normalization of relations between Tehran and Washington would benefit not just the two countries, but the wider region as well. Javad Zarif also warned that if the current situation continues, it could spread war and instability across the Middle East, arguing that only a comprehensive agreement that takes into account the interests of all sides can offer a real way out of the crisis.

Following the injury of Kamal Kharrazi, the former Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, and the death of his wife in Israeli attacks on Tehran, former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami issued a message of condolence to his former cabinet member. In the message, Mohammad Khatami referred to the recent strikes by the “aggressor enemy,” stating that these attacks have targeted “Iranian officials and citizens, including children.” Khatami continued in his letter: “The enemy targeted you for assassination, you who have been a source of goodness and blessing for Iran and its people, and martyred your esteemed, noble, and compassionate wife, who shared in the pain of others.” Khatami described the death of Mansoureh Rais-Ghasem, Kharrazi’s wife, as a “painful tragedy,” offering his condolences to the family and wishing Kharrazi a “speedy recovery and return to health.”

Kuwaiti media reported on Friday, April 3, that the country’s energy and water infrastructure sustained damage following recent attacks. According to reports, an electrical substation and a water desalination plant were targeted and damaged by missile and drone strikes. Simultaneously, the Kuwait National Petroleum Company announced that the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery was also targeted by a drone strike early Friday morning. According to the company, the attack ignited severe fires in several operational units, though no human casualties have been reported. These developments come as the Islamic Republic, following weeks of military conflict with the U.S. and Israel, has repeatedly targeted the infrastructure of neighboring countries, claiming it is solely attacking American military bases. While Kuwait has not yet released further details regarding the extent of the damage or the specific perpetrators of the attacks, a Reuters report indicates that investigations are ongoing to assess the damage and restore the facilities to normal operations.

According to a report by Reuters, the United States and several Western countries, including Britain and France, have put forward a plan through “diplomatic discussions at the UN Security Council” along with separate coordinated efforts to create a mechanism for “enhancing the protection of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.” Reuters states that the aim of this initiative is to ensure the safety of oil tankers and commercial vessels moving through one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, which is now at risk due to the escalating conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. However, the Chinese government has opposed this approach. Reuters reports that China raised concerns over any move that could increase military presence in the region, saying that security in this key maritime route should be restored only through diplomatic efforts and by ending military hostilities. China’s opposition to fresh negotiations and the move to bring the Strait of Hormuz issue to the UN Security Council comes even as recent reports suggest that Chinese vessels have continued to pass through the Strait in recent days.

Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, cautioned against efforts to pass a UN Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. He said: “The issuance of a resolution by the Security Council regarding the Strait of Hormuz will not only fail to solve any problems but will itself become part of the problem.” Araghchi blamed the current security situation in the Strait of Hormuz on “military aggression by the U.S. and Israel,” and claimed that ships from countries not involved in the conflict are still passing through in coordination with Iran. The Iranian Foreign Minister also condemned strikes on civilian infrastructure, including “universities, bridges, and scientific centers,” and urged Lavrov to push for a clear response from international bodies. Iranian media reported that, in response to Araghchi’s remarks, Sergei Lavrov called on both sides to return to the negotiating table. On Friday, April 3, The Guardian reported that while U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on targets in Iran are ongoing, officials in Tehran have warned against any international action that could escalate the crisis further. The report added that, despite continued diplomatic efforts to control the situation, there is still no clear path toward de-escalation.

According to information obtained by IranWire, residents of Jahrom, a city in Fars Province, have been coping with the aftermath of severe flooding since March 26, a crisis that has largely gone unnoticed amid the ongoing war. Sources familiar with the situation described the flooding as extremely severe, saying it has disrupted everyday life in the city more than ever before. One source told IranWire: “Many shops are completely submerged, and all their goods, from food supplies to clothing, have been destroyed. Numerous homes have been flooded to a height of two to three meters, ruining people’s appliances and belongings. For many, life has entered a stage of shock that is difficult to describe.” The disaster struck at a time when access to electricity and the internet was already limited, making communication even more difficult. A week after the floods caused widespread damage to residents’ lives, Iranian media reported that an “expert investigation to determine the cause of the flooding across the city and in various facilities, including the city hospital,” has begun. Authorities said that if the report finds any negligence or fault by any individuals or entities, they will be prosecuted according to the law.

Marcel Taschwer, spokesperson for the Austrian Armed Forces, told national media that Austria is required to reject flights that contribute to military support for any warring side due to its commitment to the “Neutrality Law.” However, both he and the government have pushed back against reports suggesting a “complete closure of Austrian airspace” to U.S. fighter jets. The website ZIB, citing the Austrian Ministry of Defense, reported that government and defense officials clarified that U.S. requests to use Austrian airspace in connection with the war in Iran have not been fully denied. Instead, only “a few cases” were turned down after being found to violate the principle of neutrality. Earlier, some international media outlets had reported a “total closure of Austrian airspace for U.S. warplanes.” In recent days, the government has come under internal criticism over the use of its airspace by U.S. fighter jets heading toward Iranian territory. Despite maintaining its stance of neutrality, Austria is regarded as a close ally of the United States.

Human rights sources and several pro-government media outlets in Iran say that a wave of widespread arrests is continuing across multiple provinces, alongside ongoing bombings and airstrikes. The IRGC Intelligence Organization in Markazi Province announced the arrest of 65 citizens, while officials in Golestan Province said that at least 117 individuals have been detained since the war began. Judicial authorities in Markazi claim these arrests were made for “intelligence cooperation with the enemy, propaganda activities against the state, and insulting national and religious symbols.” Others are reportedly being prosecuted for “supporting enemy attacks” or activities such as graffiti writing. Human rights groups focusing on the Arab community report that between March 29 and March 31, 138 citizens were arrested in Ahvaz under judicial orders. According to the Police Information Center, detainees in Ahvaz are accused of “communicating with hostile media,” including Iran International and Manoto, as well as having “links to the United States and Israel.” Security and judicial officials allege that those detained were involved in “premeditated phone calls, photography, and filming of sensitive military and civilian sites” to send to foreign media. These kinds of allegations have consistently been part of the government’s pattern of suppression and case-building against citizens during protests and periods of military tension with Israel and the U.S. Deliberate internet shutdowns and disruptions in Iran have made it extremely difficult to publish details about the arrests or track the status of detainees. Alongside these reports, media outlets affiliated with the IRGC released a video showing several detained citizens. In the footage, individuals allegedly arrested for filming the attacks are seen giving confessions under unclear circumstances. The release of such videos has raised serious concerns about forced confessions and violations of defendants’ rights. Continuing its crackdown to instill public fear, the Islamic Republic has also executed at least five protesters over the past two days who were originally detained during the December 2025 demonstrations. Several others have reportedly been moved to solitary confinement in preparation for the implementation of their death sentences.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday evening, April 2, that Mokram Azimi, commander of the Islamic Republic’s surface-to-surface missile unit based in western Iran, was killed in a strike in Kermanshah. According to the Israeli military, Azimi was behind several missile launches targeting locations in Israel. The statement also said that three battalion commanders from the missile unit were killed along with him. In its statement, the IDF warned: “We will continue to pursue everyone who fires missiles at Israel; the launchers, the missiles, and the personnel.” The Israeli military did not mention the exact date of the strike, only saying that the operation took place “during the holidays.” Some residents in Kermanshah reported hearing explosions in the city today. However, Iranian state media said the sounds were linked to “controlled explosions in Songhor, Kermanshah.”

NetBlocks, the independent internet monitoring organization, reported that the internet shutdown in Iran has now crossed 816 hours. In a post on its X (formerly Twitter) account, the organization wrote: “Now in its 35th consecutive day, connectivity remains at 1% of ordinary levels after 816 hours. The general public remains cut off from the world, without essential updates and without a voice, as the incident enters its fifth week.” Amid the nationwide blackout, Iranian authorities have limited access to the global internet mainly to government officials and affiliates. Earlier, a government spokesperson had said that “White SIM cards” would be provided to individuals capable of “conveying the people’s voice.” However, since the third week of the war between the U.S./Israel and the Islamic Republic, many of these “white lines” have also been disconnected, leaving only a small group of figures close to the leadership with access to the open internet. The internet shutdown during wartime, when citizens rely more heavily on security and health-related updates, has created significant challenges for users across Iran.

On Thursday, April 2, the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief stated that the EU must expand its “Aspides” naval fleet, emphasizing that Iran must not be allowed to engage in “blackmail” in the Strait of Hormuz. Kaja Kallas, along with officials from over 40 countries, attended a summit initiated by the British Foreign Secretary aimed at coordinating joint action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Kallas thanked British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper for organizing the meeting, writing: “This waterway is a global public asset. Iran must not be allowed to blackmail countries for the passage of ships. International law does not recognize ‘pay-to-pass’ schemes.” Kallas continued, “Today, we explored diplomatic, economic, and security measures to restore safe passage, alongside cooperation with the shipping industry. The EU’s Aspides naval mission has assisted 1,700 ships in the Red Sea to date and must be expanded. We cannot afford the loss of another vital trade route.” The Islamic Republic has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz during its military confrontation with Israel and the United States, bringing the passage of oil tankers and commercial vessels to a virtual standstill. This move has triggered a surge in the price of oil and petroleum products on global markets. Coinciding with the summit, the Islamic Republic announced that it is drafting a “Peacetime Protocol” in cooperation with Oman to oversee maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Russia’s state-owned Sputnik news agency quoted Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, stating that this protocol will be implemented after the war ends and will establish “basic rules” for managing vessel movement. Gharibabadi also revealed that the collection of “tolls” from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is “under consideration.”

Mehraveh Khandan, the daughter of detained lawyer and human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh, said that the Ministry of Intelligence is the agency behind her mother’s arrest in Tehran. Nasrin Sotoudeh was taken into custody at her home in Tehran on Wednesday, April 1. Mehraveh Khandan, who is currently outside Iran, shared on her Instagram account on Thursday, April 2, that during a brief phone call, Sotoudeh was only able to tell her family that she had been detained by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence. She added that the call was suddenly cut off, and the family still does not know her mother’s exact whereabouts. Security forces also seized personal electronic devices, including Nasrin Sotoudeh’s mobile phone and laptop. Her husband, Reza Khandan, has also been in prison since November/December 2024.