Cautious Progress in Oman: Iran-U.S. Talks Continue Despite Deep Divides and Military Doubts

The fourth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States concluded on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Muscat, Oman. Led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, the talks lasted around three hours and were mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. After the talks, Albusaidi stated “The discussions […]
Nuclear Negotiations Expected to Resume in Oman Sunday Despite “Contradictory” Signals, National Solidarity Among Iranians Over The Persian Gulf, Hijab Enforcement Reaches New Heights, and More

Read all about these stories in this week’s Iran Unfiltered, a digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council
Five Iranian Nationals Arrested in Alleged Plot to Attack Israeli Embassy in London

Five Iranian nationals have been arrested in the UK on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack, reportedly targeting the Israeli embassy in London. Initial reports suggested that the embassy in Kensington may have been the intended target, though police have not officially confirmed this detail. The incident is part of one of the largest recent […]
Widespread Power Outages Hit Most Iranian Cities, Including All of Tehran Province

The Tehran Electricity Distribution Company announced that starting Monday, May 5, 2025, rolling blackouts will begin in the capital, Tehran. This follows weeks of frequent, unannounced power cuts in surrounding towns and cities across Tehran Province, which have already caused major disruptions in residents’ daily lives. Until recently, the company had remained silent, only issuing […]
A Surprising Wave of National Solidarity Among Iranians—from Tehran to Washington—Triggered by a Rumor About the Persian Gulf

As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, he has hinted at bringing “good news for the Middle East.” However, according to some Arab sources and unofficial media reports, this “good news” may include a provocative announcement: the U.S. government officially renaming the historically and internationally recognized Persian Gulf to […]
Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, Mixed Signals Undermine Iran–U.S. Negotiations, SMS Hijab Policing Escalates in Iran, and More

Read all about these stories in this week’s Iran Unfiltered, a digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council
SMS Hijab Policing Escalates in Iran: From Street Warnings to Family Alerts

Women in Tehran have begun receiving text-message warnings ordering them to “correct” their dress simply for walking down the street. Similar alerts had already surfaced in Isfahan, Mashhad and Shiraz, but this is the first broad wave to hit the capital. Separate reports indicate that the text campaign has also been rolled out in Qom, […]
Iran Executes Mohsen Langar-Neshin on Espionage Charges

Iran’s judiciary announced that Mohsen Langar-Neshin was hanged at dawn today after a Revolutionary Court convicted him of “moharebeh (waging war against God) and corruption on earth” for allegedly spying for Israel’s Mossad. Officials described Langar-Neshin as a “senior spy” who provided logistical support for multiple Mossad operations, including the May 2022 assassination of IRGC […]
Iran and U.S. Negotiators Report Progress After Third Round of Talks in Muscat

On April 26, 2025, Iran and the United States concluded their third consecutive round of nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, amid cautious optimism about the prospects for a future agreement. The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the American team, headed by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, engaged in detailed discussions, accompanied for […]
Iran’s President Pezeshkian Visits Azerbaijan Amid Efforts to Revive Ties

Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, arrived in Baku on an official visit where he was formally welcomed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Zagulba Palace. Following the welcoming ceremony, bilateral talks between the two presidents and their accompanying delegations began immediately. Iranian state television broadcast parts of Pezeshkian’s remarks during the meeting, where he […]
Massive Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port Leaves Dozens Dead, Many More Injured as Authorities Respond and Investigate

On April 26, 2025, a massive explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest container terminal and a key hub for the country’s trade. The blast, which generated an enormous cloud of smoke visible as far away as Qeshm Island, has left at least 46 people dead and more than 1,240 injured, according […]
Iran and U.S. Technical Discussions Set to Begin in Oman Saturday, Iranian Opposition Rejects War, and More

Read all about these stories in this week’s Iran Unfiltered, a digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council