The European Union’s 27 member states have unanimously designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The decision was announced on Thursday by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas through a post on social media platform X, following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. The move serves as a punitive response to Tehran’s violent suppression of recent anti-government protests and the killing of demonstrators.

Kallas stated that the EU cannot tolerate any form of repression, adding that a government that kills its own citizens to maintain power is undermining itself. France and Italy had supported the proposal earlier, while Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said the decision was taken in protest against the bloodshed in Iran. Israel, a long-time adversary of Iran, welcomed the EU’s move, with its Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar calling it historic.

According to an unnamed senior Israeli official, the EU’s sanctions will make it easier to bring IRGC members to justice.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that time is running out to reach an agreement over its nuclear program. He threatened that if talks fail to progress, the United States could launch a more severe attack than before. Iran has rejected the threat outright. A BBC analysis outlined several possible outcomes if Trump orders a military strike on Iran.

The report suggests that U.S. forces could carry out limited, precise strikes targeting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Basij bases, and nuclear facilities, potentially leading to democratic transition. Another scenario envisions Iran’s current regime surviving but forced to alter its policies, including reducing support for regional armed groups and easing domestic repression. Other possibilities include the regime’s collapse leading to military rule, retaliatory Iranian attacks on U.S. bases and allies in the Gulf, or even the sinking of U.S. warships.

The analysis also warns of potential nationwide chaos in Iran, with risks of civil war and ethnic conflict that could destabilize neighboring countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran does not oppose dialogue or diplomacy but insisted that any talks must be based on balance and mutual respect. In an interview with CNN, he stated that Iran is ready for sincere discussions in accordance with international rules but warned that talks amid fears of war only fuel tension and insecurity. Ghalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of using threats of war to impose his political views.

He referred to a June 2025 US attack against Iran, which occurred two days before the sixth round of indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Ghalibaf emphasized that no talks could take place unless Iran’s national rights, economic interests, and dignity were guaranteed. He said Iran does not consider sanctions, coercion, or surrender as legitimate dialogue.

Ghalibaf added that if Trump truly seeks peace and claims to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, he must take real steps toward achieving genuine peace. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also cautioned that no decision has yet been made regarding talks with the United States.

US Senator Marco Rubio commented on the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s leadership if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were to lose power. Speaking in the Senate shortly after President Donald Trump issued a new warning to Tehran, Rubio said it was unclear who would lead Iran in such a scenario. He cautioned that any forced regime change in Iran would be far more complex than the situation in Venezuela and noted that the aftermath of a government collapse would not have simple answers.

Rubio also mentioned that the United States might take preemptive defensive measures to protect its troops and allied facilities in the region if necessary, though he expressed hope that such a situation could be avoided. Meanwhile, Trump announced on social media that a large naval fleet was moving toward Iran and urged Tehran to return to negotiations to halt nuclear weapons development.

Iran rejected the US warnings, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that no talks could occur under threats and warning of an immediate and strong response to any military action. Both sides have maintained their positions, with Washington seeking a nuclear deal and Tehran insisting on continuing peaceful nuclear activities.

Protesters injured during Iran’s ongoing anti-government demonstrations are reportedly avoiding hospitals out of fear of arrest, instead seeking treatment secretly in private homes. Accounts from cities including Isfahan, Tehran, and Arak describe wounded demonstrators relying on sympathetic doctors, nurses, and volunteers for covert medical help. Health workers told the BBC that security forces are stationed in hospitals, prompting many to hide their injuries and avoid official medical records.

The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported confirming 6,301 deaths linked to the unrest, including 5,925 protesters and 112 children, while Iranian authorities claim over 3,100 deaths, mostly among security personnel and bystanders. The semi-official Tasnim agency cited the Health Ministry saying 13,000 surgeries have been performed during the protests and that about 3,000 people who initially avoided hospitals later sought treatment.

Human rights groups said doctors treating injured protesters have themselves become targets, with Iran Human Rights reporting at least five doctors and one volunteer arrested. Reports from Tehran and smaller towns indicate worsening conditions, shortages of medical supplies, and growing fear among both patients and healthcare workers.

Iran’s national currency, the rial, fell to a record low against the US dollar on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. In the free market, one dollar traded for 1,620,500 rials, marking the steepest decline in the country’s currency history. According to currency tracking website Bonbast, the previous day’s rate was around 1.5 million rials per dollar, meaning the rial lost about 150,000 in value within a single day.

The sharp depreciation comes amid ongoing anti-government protests that began late last month. In response to the unrest, Iran’s government shut down internet access on January 7, making it difficult to obtain reliable exchange rate data from regional markets in Istanbul, Baghdad, and along the Afghan border. Bonbast noted that the blackout has obscured the rial’s true market value.

Market instability intensified after US President Donald Trump announced that a large American naval fleet was moving toward Iran. Analysts fear possible naval blockades or attacks on Iran’s oil and gas facilities. Economists believe continued political tension, economic crisis, and international pressure could further weaken the rial.

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong ultimatum to Iran, warning that time is running out for reaching an agreement on its nuclear program. In a post on his Truth Social account on January 28, Trump said a large US naval fleet is moving toward Iran and is ready for rapid operations. He cautioned that if negotiations fail to progress, future attacks on Iran would be far more devastating than before.

Iran rejected the US threat outright. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran would not bow to American pressure and that its armed forces are fully prepared for any situation. He added that Iran is open to fair and equal negotiations without coercion. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Iran’s government is at its weakest point and its economy in deep crisis. In response, Araghchi warned that any US aggression would be met with immediate and severe retaliation.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations also indicated willingness for fair talks but warned that any attempt to impose terms would trigger unprecedented countermeasures.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran has not requested any form of dialogue with the United States. In a report published by state media on Wednesday, Araghchi clarified that he had no recent contact with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and dismissed as baseless claims that Iran had initiated talks with Washington.

Araghchi added that Iran continues to maintain communication with several intermediary countries, through which consultations and discussions are ongoing at various levels. Analysts noted that while tensions between Iran and the United States remain high, Tehran’s statement suggests that diplomatic channels through mediators have not been completely severed.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had shown interest in negotiations amid Washington’s increased military presence in the Middle East, including the deployment of aircraft carrier groups. He said Tehran had reached out multiple times to seek an understanding with the United States.

Bahrain’s most senior Shia cleric, Sheikh Isa Qassim, has declared that millions of Iranians are prepared to sacrifice their lives for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking to Press TV, Qassim described Khamenei as a unique global leader distinguished by his deep religious scholarship, spiritual stature, and political leadership.

Qassim stated that both men and women in Iran regard Khamenei’s directives as religious orders and that Muslims around the world also support him. He credited Khamenei’s leadership with promoting Iran’s stability, peace, and human fraternity. The cleric further noted that the mass demonstrations across Iran on January 13 against riots showed clear public support for Khamenei and opposition to what he called foreign-backed sabotage.

Qassim also dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for reform in Iran, saying no one would believe such claims.

Iran has executed a man convicted of spying for Israel, according to the judiciary’s media outlet Mizan. The execution took place on Wednesday, and the individual was identified as Hamidreza Sabet Esmailipour. He had been arrested on April 29, 2025, and was accused of working for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad by transferring secret documents and sensitive information. The death sentence was carried out after the Supreme Court upheld the verdict and all legal procedures were completed.

Iran, which has long been engaged in covert conflict with Israel, has previously executed several individuals accused of collaborating with Israeli intelligence. Authorities claim these individuals assisted Israel’s clandestine operations inside Iran. Analysts noted that the number of such executions has risen significantly since last year, particularly after Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, which intensified Tehran’s security operations.

The report suggests that Iran’s recent actions reflect heightened internal security measures amid ongoing regional tensions and direct confrontations with Israel and the United States.

Iran has announced the closure of its airspace over the Strait of Hormuz to conduct live-fire military exercises amid escalating regional tensions. According to a notice published on Tuesday, the drills will take place from January 27 to 29 within a circular area of five nautical miles in radius. The notice also stated that airspace up to 25,000 feet above ground level in the designated area will be restricted and considered hazardous during the exercise period.

The United States has said that all options, including military action, remain on the table in dealing with Tehran. In response, Iranian officials warned that any U.S. attack would be met with a “swift and extensive” reaction. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supply passes.

An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander further cautioned that if neighboring countries allow their territory, airspace, or waters to be used for attacks against Iran, they will be regarded as enemies.

Iran has issued a warning to neighboring countries following the arrival of a US aircraft carrier in Middle Eastern waters. On Tuesday, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander stated that if any neighboring nation allows its territory, airspace, or waters to be used for attacks against Iran, Tehran will consider that country an enemy. The statement was reported by TRT World.

Mohammad Akbarzadeh, the IRGC Navy’s deputy for political affairs, emphasized that while neighboring states are considered friends, any cooperation in hostile actions would change that status. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that another naval fleet is moving toward Iran and expressed hope that Tehran would agree to a deal with Washington.

The increased US military activity in the Gulf region and Trump’s remarks have heightened concerns about potential escalation between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that any attack on their country would be met with a strong response and urged neighboring states not to allow their territories to be used for military operations against Iran.

A United States–based human rights organization, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reported that more than 6,000 people have been killed in Iran amid a government crackdown on anti-regime protests. According to AFP, HRANA confirmed 5,848 deaths, including 209 security personnel, and warned that the actual toll could be higher, with 17,091 additional cases still under verification. The protests, which began in late December over economic grievances, have evolved into a nationwide movement against Iran’s Islamic governance.

International human rights groups have accused Iranian security forces of using extreme force, including live ammunition against demonstrators. To suppress information, the government imposed an 18-day internet shutdown, which monitoring group NetBlocks described as an unprecedented “internet blackout” in Iran’s history. The unrest has also heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump signaling a tougher stance and deploying a naval fleet to the region.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned it would deliver a “crushing response” to any foreign aggression and urged the U.S. not to interfere in its internal affairs. HRANA reported over 41,000 arrests, while Iran’s government claimed 3,117 deaths. AFP noted that casualty figures remain unverified due to restricted access and communication blackouts.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei has declared that those who instigated the country’s recent violent protests will face punishment without leniency. Speaking on January 26, 2026, he said that the judiciary will bring the instigators to justice as soon as possible, responding to public demands for accountability. According to Geo News, Ejei emphasized that those involved in inciting riots, terrorism, and violence during the anti-government demonstrations would be prosecuted swiftly.

He added that investigations have already begun to identify individuals who provoked unrest, engaged in armed attacks, killings, arson, and destruction. The chief justice stated that the judicial process would proceed without any flexibility toward those responsible for such acts. The protests began on December 28 in response to rising living costs and unbearable inflation across Iran.

Ejei also noted that the Iranian government has managed to calm tensions following the unrest, indicating a partial restoration of stability after weeks of demonstrations.

Israel has claimed that the United States has almost completed preparations for a large-scale military operation against Iran. According to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the deployment of US forces may take a few more days to finish. The report said US military presence in the Middle East has reached its highest level in eight months, with assets including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, guided missile destroyers, cruisers, and multiple fighter squadrons. President Donald Trump has not yet issued a final order, but Israel has begun internal preparations for possible Iranian retaliation.

The buildup follows Trump’s earlier confirmation that a “massive fleet” was moving toward Iran after Tehran’s harsh crackdown on anti-government protests that began in December 2025. Human rights group HRANA reported around 4,000 deaths and thousands of arrests, though verification remains difficult due to internet restrictions. Iran has warned that any US attack would be treated as “total war,” with the IRGC commander vowing a devastating response to any provocation.

Analysts say the coming days are crucial for Middle East stability, as both sides remain firm and diplomatic solutions appear increasingly unlikely.