Iran Arrests Four, Including Prominent Reformist Politicians, Over January Protests

Tehran. Iranian authorities have arrested four individuals accused of attempting to disrupt the country's political and social order and working in the interests of the United States and Israel during the anti-government protests in January. Iranian media reported that three of those arrested are well-known reformist politicians. Those arrested include Azar Mansouri, head of Iran's Reform Front, former diplomat Mohsen Aminzadeh, and former parliamentarian Ebrahim Asgharzadeh. The identity of the fourth person has not been made public.

The judiciary has accused them of conducting activities to create instability in the country while military threats were being issued by Israel and the US. According to the state news agency Mizan, it is claimed that they attempted to legitimize the street demonstrations. The Reform Front confirmed via the social media platform X that Mansouri was arrested at her home by the intelligence force of the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) along with a judicial order. It was also stated that summonses have been sent to other senior leaders.

The arrests are the latest in a series of harsh crackdowns following the violent protests in January. Although those demonstrations began due to an economic crisis, they evolved into nationwide anti-government movements. The government had labeled the protesters as terrorists and accused Israel and the US of instigating the unrest. The Iranian government admitted that 3,117 people died in the protests.

However, it has denied international accusations that state security forces were responsible for these deaths. The American human rights organization HRANA stated that 6,854 deaths have been confirmed in these protests, and thousands more cases are under investigation. The latest arrests have further increased tensions in Iran-US relations.