Iran intensified its crackdown on dissent on Monday, making further arrests even as it signalled a potential diplomatic opening with Washington over its nuclear programme.
Among those detained was Javad Emam, spokesperson for the main reformist coalition, following positive-tinged talks between Iranian and US officials in Oman last week. Other arrests included Hossein Karoubi, son of prominent dissident Mehdi Karoubi, and several activists and filmmakers who had co-signed protest statements.
On Saturday, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was handed additional jail time. The detentions come weeks after Tehran suppressed widespread protests—one of the biggest challenges to the government since the 1979 Islamic Revolution—in a dual approach that combines repression with cautious engagement abroad.
A spokesperson for the Reformist Front told local media that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had arrested Emam, who was among at least five Reformist Front figures taken into custody. The government has labelled the protests “riots” orchestrated by its arch-foes Israel and the United States.
Frustrate the enemy
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Iranians on Monday to demonstrate “resolve” in the face of foreign pressure.
“National power is less about missiles and aircraft and more about the will and resolve of the people,” Khamenei said, adding, “Show it again and frustrate the enemy.”
Alongside its tough stance at home, Iran has indicated it could make concessions on its nuclear programme to ease tensions with Washington. The state-run IRNA news agency reported that Iranian atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami said Tehran might dilute 60% enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief, though he did not clarify whether this would apply only to US sanctions or all international measures.
Downblending uranium reduces its enrichment level, extending the time needed to produce enough material for a nuclear weapon. Iran insists its nuclear programme is purely civilian, but the US, Israel and most Western countries remain sceptical.
At the Oman talks, both sides agreed to discuss Tehran’s nuclear activities, while Washington and Israel also seek to address Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for regional militant groups.
Following the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described them as “a good start” but emphasised the need to dispel mistrust regarding US intentions, according to state television.
