Iran has arrested Javad Emam, spokesperson for the Reformist Front coalition, amid a widening crackdown on dissent. His arrest comes days after U.S. and Iranian officials held talks in Oman. Authorities have also detained activists, filmmakers, and other reformist figures critical of the government.
Emam is at least the fourth Reformist Front member arrested in recent days, alongside Azar Mansouri, Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, and Mohsen Aminzadeh. The detentions follow nationwide protests sparked by economic hardship and government policies. Iranian authorities have branded the unrest as riots fueled by foreign adversaries, including the U.S. and Israel.
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Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iranians to show “resolve” against foreign pressure, saying national power depends on the will of the people. Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi received six years in prison for harming national security and additional sentences for “propaganda” against the Islamic system.
The U.S.-Iran talks in Oman focused on Tehran’s nuclear program, though Washington and Israel also seek discussion of Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for regional militant groups. Iran insists its nuclear program is civilian, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested possible confidence-building measures in exchange for sanctions relief.
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Human rights groups say the protests have resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. The government reported 3,117 fatalities, while HRANA claims nearly 7,000 deaths, mostly protesters, and over 51,000 arrests. Observers say the crackdown signals Iran’s tightening grip on political opposition amid diplomatic engagements.