2026/02/18U.S. Moves to Bar 18 Iranian Telecom & Regime Figures Over Speech Crackdown
The U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on 18 Iranian regime officials and telecommunications industry leaders—measures that would bar entry to the United States. Identities and case details were not disclosed. In a related press statement, the policy is framed as targeting individuals believed complicit in serious human-rights violations , including inhibiting Iranians’ rights to freedom of expression , and also covers immediate family members . The move lands amid heightened focus on Iran’s communications controls after reports of a near-total internet shutdown during recent unrest, while separate reporting has highlighted U.S.-backed efforts to expand access to uncensored connectivity tools such as Starlink terminals and VPN-related services.
2026/02/18Ynet: Tehran Pressures Hezbollah to Join if a Wider War Erupts
Israeli outlet Ynet reported that Tehran has been pressing Hezbollah to join any potential war against Israel if one breaks out—amid heightened fears of escalation tied to U.S.–Iran tensions. The report was relayed in an Israeli live update and did not cite sources . The claim lands as Hezbollah officials have publicly warned they would not remain “neutral” in a war targeting Iran, while mediators have cautioned the group that it could be targeted if conflict expands.
2026/02/18Reuters: Iran Fortifies Parchin Site With Concrete Shield, Buries Isfahan Tunnel Entrances
Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters suggests Iran has recently built a concrete protective shield over a new facility inside the Parchin complex (about 30 km southeast of Tehran) and then covered it with soil , a move analysts say would make the structure harder to detect and potentially more resilient against attack. Reuters also pointed to new satellite evidence—flagged by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) —showing renewed work in late January to backfill/bury tunnel entrances at the Isfahan nuclear complex , which Reuters notes was bombed by the U.S. in June 2025 . In a Feb. 9 imagery update, ISIS said all entrances to the Esfahan tunnel complex were completely buried , arguing that backfilling can dampen the effects of potential airstrikes and also make ground access —including a special-forces raid to seize or destroy any highly enriched uranium —significantly more difficult.
2026/02/18Thousands Mark “40th Day” Memorials for Protest Victims, Chant Against Islamic Republic Officials
Reports and images received from Iran indicate that, during the 40th-day memorial ceremonies for those killed in the Dey protests , thousands gathered at victims’ graves, commemorated their memory, and chanted slogans against officials of the Islamic Republic . At the same time, Islamic Republic institutions in Tehran and several other cities held state-organized ceremonies on 18 and 19 Dey , attended by government officials and selected participants , in parallel with the public memorial gatherings.
2026/02/17Reuters: Iran to Submit Detailed Nuclear Proposals Within Two Weeks to Bridge Gaps With U.S.
Iran told U.S. counterparts it will return within the next two weeks with detailed proposals aimed at resolving remaining differences in the nuclear negotiations, Reuters reported, citing a U.S. official. “The Iranians said they would return within the next two weeks with detailed proposals to address some unresolved issues in our positions,” the official said, according to the report—signaling that talks are moving into a more technical, text-driven phase as both sides try to narrow outstanding gaps.
2026/02/17IranWire: Isfahan Student Detained in Home Raid; Sole Guardian of Two Younger Sisters
According to information received by IranWire , Roya Rostegar , a 33-year-old citizen from Isfahan and a physical education student , was arrested on 21 Dey 1404 (≈ 11 January 2026) after security forces reportedly raided her home. A source told IranWire that Rostegar had taken responsibility for raising and supporting her two younger sisters after the deaths of her parents in previous years, and was living with them at the time of her arrest. The report highlights growing concern over the social impact of detentions on families where the detainee is a primary caregiver .
2026/02/17IranWire: Tehran Great Prison Detainee Held Beyond 1-Month Order, Family Says
According to information received by IranWire , a 43-year-old citizen named Amirali Moradi was arrested on 21 Dey 1404 (≈ 11 January 2026) during the crackdown that followed the reported killing of protesting citizens, and is currently being held in Tehran Great Prison . A source close to Moradi’s family said a one-month detention order had been issued, but he has now spent 36 days in what the family describes as complete legal limbo , with no clear update on his case status.
2026/02/17IranWire: 36-Year-Old Shot During 5 a.m. Home Raid in Isfahan, Health Risks Rise in Custody
According to information received by IranWire , Amir Lali Dehqi (36) was arrested at 5 a.m. on 19 Dey 1404 (≈ 9 January 2026) after security forces reportedly raided his home in Dehq, Isfahan Province while he was asleep, shooting him in the leg and taking him into custody. Informed sources say he has diabetes and has not received adequate medical treatment for 41 days . They report he was taken to hospital only to have the bullet removed , warning that due to diabetes the risk of serious complications — including losing his leg — is significant .
2026/02/17IranWire: 16-Year-Old Held in Rasht Juvenile Center Without Charges Since Jan. 9
A 16-year-old teenager named Mohammad Saeed Hajibabai has been detained since 19 Dey 1404 (≈ 9 January 2026 ) and is being held in the Rasht Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center without a formal charge being communicated, according to information received by IranWire . Based on the details provided to IranWire, he was allegedly arrested on the street while returning from work . No official clarification has been reported regarding the grounds for detention, raising concerns about due process — particularly given the detainee’s minor status .
2026/02/17Two Young Brothers Missing After Reported Workplace Arrest in Delijan
According to information obtained by IranWire , the family and close relatives of Afshin Parnian (23) and Mohammad Parnian (22) have had no contact or news of them since 19 Dey 1404 (≈ 9 January 2026 ). Informed sources told IranWire that the two brothers were allegedly arrested on 19 Dey after security agents raided their workplace in Delijan, Markazi Province . Since then, their whereabouts and condition remain unknown , with no official clarification reported. This type of prolonged lack of information has raised concerns among observers about incommunicado detention and the risks associated with being held without confirmed access to family contact or legal representation.
2026/02/17Mashhad Tightens the Net: Riot Units Move In, Alleyways Blocked Toward Protest Zone
Reports from Mashhad (Sayyad–Emad Khorasani area) say riot-control units are moving toward the reported protest location and are blocking side streets and alleyways leading into the area, a tactic often used to cut off access, fragment crowds, and prevent reinforcements from joining gatherings. The situation remains fluid and details from the ground may evolve quickly.
2026/02/17Gunfire Claims Emerge From Abdanan 40th-Day Memorial
Videos circulating on social media appear to show government forces firing toward crowds during 40th-day memorial gatherings (“chehelom”) in Abdanan . Protesters can be heard shouting as shots ring out, though the footage has not been independently verified . Separate reporting from the same city in recent hours described street gatherings and anti-government chants ahead of the memorials, alongside reported internet disruption , underscoring the heightened security climate around the anniversary events.
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