In a significant day of remembrance, Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) gathered in various cities across Europe to mark the third anniversary of the nationwide uprising in Iran that erupted in 2022. The events held in Cologne, Berlin, and Paris showcased a strong display of solidarity for the ongoing struggle of the Iranian people towards freedom and democratic governance.
As these rallies progressed, the United States made important announcements regarding its foreign policy approach to Iran. The Department of State designated four Iran-aligned militia groups—Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali—as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This decision follows their previous designation as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The U.S. government described Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, citing its support for these groups in facilitating attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces in Iraq.
On the financial front, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced measures against an Iranian financial network. This network, comprising several facilitators across Hong Kong and the UAE, reportedly supports the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force and Iran’s Ministry of Defense. The Treasury indicated that these entities were involved in illicit financial activities, including money laundering and evading sanctions to fund terrorist proxy groups and develop advanced weapons that pose threats to regional security.
In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa further escalated his country’s stance against foreign entities, signing Executive Decree 218. This decree classified Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC of Iran as organized crime terrorist organizations, pointing to their alleged influence and threats to national security. Noboa instructed the National Intelligence Center to keep a close watch on these groups, emphasizing the need for coordination with international intelligence agencies.
Back in Iran, the regime faced renewed scrutiny as disturbing information began to circulate regarding incidents of state oppression. Family members of victims from the 2022 protests reported increased threats and summoning from intelligence agencies—actions widely seen as attempts to stifle remembrance and dissent. Reports indicate this occurred around the time of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, a key moment that has continued to galvanize protests against the government.
Further complicating matters, the social fabric of Iran appeared to be fraying under the weight of ongoing crises. A pro-regime newspaper, Vatan Emrooz, acknowledged a state of “social erosion” as a result of a recent conflict. The publication posited that this “limbo”—a state neither fully at war nor at peace—was wreaking havoc on trust in institutions and deepening societal divisions.
Additionally, the tragic death of Maryam Shahraki, a 40-year-old woman who lost her life in Fardis Prison due to medical negligence, has highlighted severe human rights violations in Iran. Shahraki was reportedly ignored by prison medical staff despite showing symptoms of a serious heart condition, igniting widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
As the world watches closely, these developments reflect the escalating tensions surrounding Iran both domestically and internationally, illustrating a complex and fraught landscape for a nation embroiled in years of struggle for freedom and reform.
