Watch: Devastation on Tehran street after strike
Tehran’s Turmoil: Ongoing Impact of Recent Strikes
Following the US and Israel’s joint strike on Tehran on 28 February, the capital remains under intense pressure as new attacks continue. The BBC’s John Donnison was live in Jerusalem when emergency alerts rang through his phone, signaling the escalating conflict. Meanwhile, Gulf nations Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan report intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at US military installations on their soil.
A British Woman’s Prison Sentence
A British woman detained in Iran shared her struggle to stay hopeful while imprisoned, just hours before her and her husband received 10-year sentences for espionage. Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s first reporter in Iran since the anti-government protests were violently suppressed, described the lingering anguish of the nation. “The pain is still fresh,” she said, “as the government deployed unprecedented force to quell the demonstrations.”
Gaza Aid and the UN’s Concerns
Three months into the Gaza ceasefire, the UN has expressed frustration over insufficient aid deliveries. A humanitarian chief warned that 14,000 infants could perish within 48 hours if supplies fail to arrive. In contrast, Kurdish-controlled prisons reportedly house 8,000 suspected ISIS fighters alongside approximately 34,000 family members in nearby camps.
Protests Enter Their 13th Night
Anti-government demonstrations in Iran have persisted for 13 consecutive days, sparked by economic hardship. On Thursday, the movement saw its widest spread since December 28, with protesters chanting slogans against the regime in videos verified by BBC Persian. BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega documented the aftermath at the Iranian-Armenian border, where internet outages persist amid the unrest.
Suspect Executions and Mortuary Clues
Relatives of Erfan Soltani, arrested last week, informed BBC Persian he faces execution on Wednesday. BBC Verify is analyzing footage from a Tehran mortuary, which may reveal critical insights into the casualties of the crackdown. The images capture numerous bodies, hinting at the scale of the violence.
Voices from the Border
Hugo Bachega also spoke with Syrians about life under the revolution’s shadow, highlighting shifting dynamics in the region. Separately, a festive gathering in Manger Square featured music, dancing, and Santa Claus figures handing out treats, offering a rare glimpse of normalcy amid the turmoil. A vehicle once used to transport Pope Francis to Bethlehem in 2014 was mentioned in passing, underscoring the broader context of international connections.
“The pain is still raw,” said Lyse Doucet, reflecting on the aftermath of Iran’s heavy-handed response to protests.