Iran - Not a political thread: Reports of widespread protests including women taking off head coverings - Jan. 2, 2026+ , military action February 28

Pathfinder · Apr 17, 2026

7:45 AM · Apr 17, 2026

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9:23 AM · Apr 17, 2026

Commonground · Apr 18, 2026

US Prepares To Board Iran-Linked Ships Globally Following Iranian Gunboat Attack On Tanker In Hormuz

APR 18, 2026

Summary:

US officials: War may resume if no peace talks breakthrough: Axios
Two Iranian gunboats Open Fire on a tanker near Oman; 2nd tanker hit by 'unknown projectile'.
India summons Iranian ambassador to condemn incident
Pentagon prepared to expand anti-vessel action, signals prepared to board Iran-linked ships globally
Friday: Hormuz Open; Saturday: Hormuz Closed
Trump: Iran wanted to close up Strait again, can't blackmail us

Strait of Hormuz traffic returns to normal by end of April?
Yes 28% · No 72%
View full market & trade on Polymarket
* * * WAR will Resume?

Not good, amid reports Pakistan peace talks could also resume, Monday perhaps:

US OFFICIAL TELLS AXIOS WAR MAY RESUME IF NO BREAKTHROUGH

President Trump convened a White House Situation Room meeting on Saturday morning to discuss the renewed crisis around the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations with Iran, according to two U.S. officials. My story on @axios https://t.co/jElAytN5LF

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 18, 2026

Reaction by India

New Delhi has summoned the Iranian ambassador to condemn the IRGC Navy's attack on one of its tankers earlier in the day:

US Prepares to Board Iran-Linked Ships Globally

According to the latest headlines there was a second tanker incident: a Container ship reportedly hit by 'unknown projectile' in second incident while other traffic stalls.

Meanwhile on Saturday the Pentagon is signaling yet another major escalation in the latest effort to reassert US leverage over the Hormuz crisis. It is preparing to expand the fight not just to the Hormuz/Persian Gulf regions, but broadly to the high seas.

"The U.S. military is preparing in coming days to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters, according to U.S. officials, expanding its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East," WSJ reports. This means the American military will pursue vessels around the world that are helping Iran, as it steps up 'Economic Fury' as an extension of 'Epic Furty'. WSJ comments further:

The planning comes as the Iranian military continues to tighten its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, attacking several commercial vessels on Saturday as it declared the waterway was being “strictly controlled” by Iran. The developments sent shipping companies scrambling a day after Iran’s foreign minister said the strait was fully open to commercial traffic—an announcement that was welcomed by President Trump.

Audio of the Indian oil tanker Sanmar Herald pleading with Iranian forces to stop shooting at it in the Strait of Hormuz this morning. pic.twitter.com/7Y5n7Jb7o0

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 18, 2026

The past days have seen both sides try and declare and assert control over the vital waterway and their own blockade based on rival 'conditions' for ship passage. But all of this has meant a continued effective closure. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has cited that the US Navy has already turned back at least 23 ships after they were at Iranian ports. In the meantime Trump is still claiming Iran agreed to hand over its enriched uranium - or nuclear 'dust' - but Tehran has made clear it will never do so, dismissing this as a made-up fantasy.

Meanwhile...

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/bit-chaos-hormuz-reportedly-shuts-agains-ships-make-u-turn

Commonground · Apr 18, 2026

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threaten to target any ship approaching Strait of Hormuz

By AFPT
oday, 10:20 pm

The navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warns that any ship approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as a target.

“We warn that no ship, of any kind, should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted,” says the statement published on the IRGC’s official Sepah News website.

continued: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveb...target-any-ship-approaching-strait-of-hormuz/

Commonground · Apr 18, 2026

[emphasis is mine]
Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed until US blockade lifts, as ships report attacks

Updated 7 minutes ago
Summary

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed from this evening until the US blockade on Iranian ports is lifted
It says the continuing US blockade is a "breach of the ceasefire" and warns that ships approaching the vital shipping channel "will be targeted"
On Friday, Iran opened the Strait of Hormuz, but Donald Trump said the US naval blockade "will remain in full force until our transaction with Iran is 100% complete" - here's how the situation has evolved
Earlier today, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Iran's leaders want to close the strait, but the US won't let them "blackmail us"
A tanker and a container ship have both reported attacks in the region, the UK Maritime Trade Operations says

continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cqxdg17yr2wt?page=4

sharon sanders · Apr 18, 2026

Has been online since late February...now extended indefinitely.....

Iran moves entire education system online until further notice

16 Apr 2026 12:00

more....https://news.az/news/iran-moves-entire-education-system-online-until-further-notice

Pathfinder · Apr 20, 2026

...

Press Release | April 19, 2026

U.S. Forces Disable Vessel Attempting to Enter Iranian Port, Violate Blockade

USCENTCOM

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Sea enforced naval blockade measures against an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, April 19.

Guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted M/V Touska as it transited the north Arabian Sea at 17 knots enroute to Bandar Abbas, Iran. American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the U.S. blockade.

After Touska’s crew failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period, Spruance directed the vessel to evacuate its engine room. Spruance disabled Touska’s propulsion by firing several rounds from the destroyer’s 5-inch MK 45 Gun into Touska’s engine room. U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit later boarded the non-compliant vessel, which remains in U.S. custody.

American forces acted in a deliberate, professional, and proportional manner to ensure compliance. Since the blockade’s commencement, U.S. forces have directed 25 commercial vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port.

https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS...pting-to-enter-iranian-port-violate-blockade/

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Seized Iranian ship likely carrying equipment deemed dual-use by US, sources say

By Jonathan Saul
April 20, 202610:01 AM CDTUpdated 2 hours ago
...
The vessel was detected alongside at China’s Taicang port, which is north of Shanghai, on March 25 and arrived at China's southern Gaolan port on March 29-30, ⁠according to satellite analysis from data analytics specialists SynMax.

The vessel loaded containers onboard in Gaolan and then made a stop around the Port Klang anchorage in Malaysia on April 11-12 where it loaded further containers, according to SynMax analysis.

The vessel was laden with containers onboard when it reached the Gulf of Oman on Sunday
...
The U.S. military widened its shipping blockade on Iran to include cargoes deemed contraband and any vessels suspected of trying to reach Iranian territory will be "subject to belligerent right to visit and search", the U.S. navy said in an advisory on Thursday.

Contraband included weapons and ammunition.
...
https://www.reuters.com/world/middl...ent-deemed-dual-use-by-us-sources-2026-04-20/

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s Regular Press Conference on April 20, 2026

Updated: April 20, 2026 19:32
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Reuters: The U.S. has seized an Iranian cargo ship that was traveling from China. Today, Iran is about to retaliate to what it says, to quote them, “armed piracy” by the U.S. Iran has also said it would not participate in the second round of negotiations as the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington expires tomorrow. The question is, does China have any remarks on the seized ship? What was it carrying? Also, does China have any comment about the ceasefire that seems to be breaking down?

Guo Jiakun: On your first question, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is fragile and complex. We are concerned over the U.S.’s forcible interception of the vessel and hope that relevant parties will honor the ceasefire agreement in a responsible manner, avoid aggravating disputes and escalating tensions, and provide necessary conditions for the restoration of normal passage through the Strait.

On your second question, the current regional situation is at a critical stage of whether the conflict could end or not. Now that the window for peace has been opened, favorable conditions need to be created to end the conflict at an early date. China supports relevant sides to maintain the momentum of ceasefire and negotiation, act on the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposition, continue to promote deescalation and play a constructive role for bringing lasting peace and stability to the Middle East.
...
China-Arab TV: Recently, the Iranian forces fired on Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about maritime security. How does China view this escalation? What measures is China considering to safeguard its shipping and energy interest in the Strait?

Guo Jiakun: I just stated China’s position on the Strait of Hormuz. Let me stress that the Strait of Hormuz is a strait for international passage. Ensuring unimpeded passage through the Strait serves the common interest of regional countries and the international community. China hopes that all sides will jointly prevent the situation from worsening. China stands ready to work with the international community to continue making its due contributions for deescalation.
...

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/lxjzh/202604/t20260420_11895636.html

Pathfinder · Apr 20, 2026

'Preparations for second phase of Islamabad Talks completed'

April 20, 2026

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam in Islamabad today.
...

During the meeting, both sides discussed arrangements for the second round of Islamabad Talks.

They stressed the need for a sustainable solution through diplomatic and negotiation channels to reduce tensions.

The Interior Minister briefed the Ambassador about his recent visit to Iran.

Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam appreciated Pakistan’s positive and constructive role in efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Mohsin Naqvi said that preparations for the second phase of the Islamabad Talks have been completed, while foolproof security arrangements have been ensured for foreign delegations.

He said Pakistan and Iran enjoy decades-old brotherly relations, which are highly valued.

The Interior Minister reiterated that Pakistan supports resolving the Iran-US dispute through dialogue, as a durable solution is essential for peace and stability in the region.

https://www.radio.gov.pk/20-04-2026/interior-minister-reiterates-support-to-resolve-iran-us-dispute
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Pakistan, Iran stress dialogue to address all pending issues

April 20, 2026

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi today.

Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and engagement at the earliest to resolve all pending issues, in order to promote regional peace and stability.

Both agreed to remain closely engaged.

https://www.radio.gov.pk/20-04-2026/pakistan-iran-stress-dialogue-to-address-all-pending-issues

Pathfinder · Apr 21, 2026

Screenshots

8:43 AM · Apr 21, 2026

Pathfinder · Apr 21, 2026

3:15 PM · Apr 21, 2026

Pathfinder · Apr 22, 2026

Related to posts 71 and 72

Screenshot:

11:28 AM · Apr 25, 2026

sharon sanders · Apr 26, 2026

Media reporting:

Iran gave the U.S. a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war, with nuclear negotiations postponed for a later stage, according to a U.S. official and two sources with knowledge.

https://www.axios.com/2026/04/27/iran-us-hormuz-strait-nuclear-talks-proposal-pakistan

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Bloomberg live tv is also reporting that Iran has made an offer to open the strait. No details and no links on their site yet.

Pathfinder · Apr 30, 2026

(screenshot)

3:57 PM · Apr 29, 2026

Pathfinder · May 1, 2026

Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Iran: Türk deplores crackdown on dissent, says rights of all Iranians must be respected

29 April 2026

GENEVA – UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk today deplored the crackdown by Iranian authorities on dissent – in particular through the use of national security-related charges. At least 21 individuals have been executed and thousands of others arrested.

Since the start of the devastating joint Israeli-US attacks on Iran two months ago, at least nine people have been executed in connection with the January 2026 protests, ten for alleged membership in opposition groups, and two on espionage charges.

“I am appalled that – on top of the already severe impacts of the conflict– the rights of the Iranian people continue to be stripped from them by the authorities, in harsh and brutal ways,” said Türk.

“In times of war, threats to human rights increase exponentially. Yet even where national security is invoked, human rights can only be limited where strictly necessary and proportionate, and for a legitimate end. And core, non-derogable rights – such as protection against arbitrary detention, and the right to fair trial – must be respected absolutely, at all times.”

“I call on the authorities to halt all further executions, establish a moratorium on the use of capital punishment, fully ensure due process and fair trial guarantees, and immediately release those arbitrarily detained.”

Under Iran’s broad and vague definition of national security crimes, many individuals – including children – remain at risk of capital punishment. Those accused are often subject to expedited judicial proceedings and denied access to legal counsel of choice. The use of torture and mistreatment has also been regularly reported. Some court verdicts issued against protesters – including at least nine who were executed – were reported to have been based on coerced confessions.

Since 28 February, more than 4,000 individuals are estimated to have been arrested on national security related charges in Iran. Many detainees have been forcibly disappeared, tortured, or subjected to other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, including coerced – and sometimes televised - confessions and mock executions. Individuals from ethnic and religious minorities, including Bahá’ís, Zoroastrians, Kurds, and Baluch Iranians, have been at particular risk.

Dozens of prisoners have been transferred to unknown locations with no information on their fate, among them human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh.

“Conditions of detention in Iran’s prisons are dire,” said Türk. “Detainees suffer from severe overcrowding and acute shortages of food, water, hygiene supplies, medicine and are denied medical care.”

The health of Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Narges Mohammadi, who remains imprisoned under high-risk conditions, and held alongside violent offenders, is reportedly worsening after she suffered a heart attack. Her medical condition is also compounded by existing chronic medical conditions resulting from her arrest.

In Chabahar Prison, detainees who protested the prolonged suspension of food distribution were met with lethal violence. Security forces reportedly killed at least five and injured 21 after confronting protestors. Two additional detainees died in custody, in a different prison, with indications that they had been subjected to torture.

The mass confiscation of assets is also being used as a tool of transnational repression and punishment, the High Commissioner said. Authorities have reportedly seized assets of some 675 citizens, including 400 Iranians living abroad - among them actors, athletes, executives, and journalists - labelling them “traitors to the homeland”, accusing them of supporting military strikes on Iran and cooperating with “hostile groups”. A newly-launched financial tracking system, “Sahm”, now enables courts and prosecutors nationwide to identify and seize citizens’ assets electronically.

Access to the internet in Iran has now been almost entirely shut down for 61 days, making it one of the longest and most severe shutdowns ever recorded globally.

“This is denying people across the country access to vital information, silencing independent voices, and inflicting enormous social and economic harm,” the High Commissioner said. “It is exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian and economic situation, and must be lifted immediately.”
...

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-rele...down-dissent-says-rights-all-iranians-must-be

Iran - Not a political thread: Reports of widespread protests including women taking off head coverings - Jan. 2, 2026+ , military action February 28

Pathfinder

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Commonground

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Commonground

Senior Moderator

Commonground

Senior Moderator

sharon sanders

Editor-in-Chief & President

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator

Commonground

Senior Moderator

Commonground

Senior Moderator

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator

sharon sanders

Editor-in-Chief & President

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator