Due to rising tensions in the Middle East, the US has begun withdrawing personnel from some strategic military bases in the region.
Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, a US official said the move was a “precautionary measure.” The decision was reportedly taken following repeated threats that Iran would target US bases in the event of a possible military escalation.
As tensions escalate, crackdowns on public protests in Iran are intensifying. According to a human rights organization, at least 2,400 people have been killed and 18,000 arrested as a result of the violent suppression of ongoing demonstrations in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan.
The Iranian government is preparing new sanctions against those participating in protests. In a statement to state television, Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahed Azad called for the identification and seizure of protesters’ assets.
Following Azad’s remarks, in which he argued that “a lesson must be taught,” Iran International reported that a court in the city of Qom announced that the property and bank accounts of a cafe owner who was detained for allegedly supporting the protests had been seized.
Tensions are also rising on the military front. Air Force Commander Sardar Musevi, affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, announced that the army is at its “highest level of defense readiness” and is prepared for any kind of attack. Musevi claimed that missile stocks had been increased following the 12-day conflict with Israel in June and that all damage sustained during the war had been repaired. Similar statements had previously been made by Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzade and Revolutionary Guard Air Force Commander Ali Hajizade.
Meanwhile, Iran has also warned regional countries. A senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters stated that if the US attacks Iran, American bases in regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, would be targeted. The official stated that they want these countries to dissuade Washington from a possible attack.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar have warned the US against military intervention in Iran. The Gulf states have conveyed to Washington their view that any attempt to overthrow the Iranian regime would destabilize oil markets and harm the US economy in the long term.
Amid the latest developments, it came out that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards have circumvented international sanctions through cryptocurrency. According to research conducted by TRM Labs and reported by the Washington Post, the Revolutionary Guards have transferred over $1 billion through two UK-based cryptocurrency platforms, Zedcex and Zedxion, since 2023. The research emphasized that Iran has reached “a new and more sophisticated level” in circumventing sanctions using cryptocurrencies.