A potential deal between Washington and Tehran to end their conflict presents a paradox: sanctions relief could significantly empower Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), a group designated as terrorist by the US and its allies. The IRGC has built a vast commercial empire and is poised to benefit immensely from renewed oil exports and foreign investment.
Former IRGC chief Mohsen Rezaei claims a secret clause in the US-Iran "Islamabad Memorandum" states that President Trump agreed to release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, but wishes to keep it undisclosed. Rezaei also criticized US military strategy and alleged US subservience to Israel.
Iran analysts debate a historic transition from theocracy to military rule, accelerated by war. The IRGC's economic power grows, and Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as Supreme Leader signals a shift from religious to political calculation, despite economic crisis fueling protests.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced on the 11th that it attacked US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait stated it would close its airspace until the danger passes.
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, including oil tankers and merchant ships, citing a lack of security following renewed US strikes. The IRGC reported hitting two vessels attempting to pass through.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard denied responsibility for an attack on Kuwait International Airport that killed one and injured 63, blaming US Patriot systems. The US military stated Iran attacked the civilian airport with drones, calling it a "deliberate, calculated and unjustified attack."
The US and Iran have engaged in missile and drone attacks targeting regional locations, including Bahrain and Qeshm Island. Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted threats, while the US military disabled a tanker attempting to evade a blockade.
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) now issues permits for passage through the Strait of Hormuz 24/7. Shipowners or captains can apply anytime, with immediate permit issuance upon approval. This follows reports of 24 ships crossing the strait with permission in the past day.
Iran has suspended peace talks with the US in protest against Israel's offensive in Lebanon, threatening negotiations over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump suggested he was open to a halt in talks, stating "going silent would be very good."
Kuwait reported drone and missile attacks, while the US military struck radar and drone sites in Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have hit a US base in retaliation. Meanwhile, Israel ordered strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs amid ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Kuwait reports drone and missile attacks, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard claiming responsibility for striking a US base. The US military confirmed targeting radar and drone sites in Iran over the weekend in response to an Iranian drone shootdown. Meanwhile, Iran's top diplomat stated that a ceasefire includes Lebanon, following Israeli strikes on Beirut's suburbs.
US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran, destroying two IRGC boats and a missile launch site near Bandar Abbas, according to CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins via Fox News.
Roscosmos confirmed it will return US astronaut Mark Vande Hei to Earth on March 30 as planned, despite media doubts amid sanctions over Ukraine. Russia's Bank of Russia suggested Mastercard and Visa leave the market, while Finland's president offered to mediate dialogue with Russia.
A Bahraini court sentenced 11 defendants to life in prison and three years in prison for spying for Iran's Revolutionary Guard and planning terrorist acts against the kingdom. The court also ordered the confiscation of seized items.
Bahrain's High Criminal Court sentenced nine individuals to life imprisonment and three others to three years for collaborating with Iran's Revolutionary Guard, aiming to commit terrorist acts against the kingdom. The court also ordered the confiscation of seized items.
A UAE-based company, Telesun, allegedly facilitated the procurement of advanced Chinese satellite communication equipment for Iran's IRGC Aerospace Force, used in drone and missile programs. The shipment was routed through Dubai, with evidence suggesting the use of 'spoofing' to conceal its final destination in Iran.
An Iraqi national, allegedly trained by Iran's IRGC, plotted to assassinate Ivanka Trump in retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani. The suspect, 32-year-old Mohammed Baqer Sa'd Dawood Al-Sa'di, was arrested in Turkey and reportedly had a detailed map of her Florida home.
The New York Post reported, citing sources, details of an assassination plot targeting Ivanka Trump by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard element in retaliation for the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
German authorities have charged Ali S. with allegedly working for Iran's Revolutionary Guard, plotting to assassinate politician Volker Beck and carry out arson attacks on Jewish institutions in Berlin. His alleged accomplice, Tawab M., was tasked with procuring a weapon and hiring a hitman. The investigation was aided by foreign intelligence services, including Mossad.
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Iran is showcasing its weaponry, including assault rifles and ballistic missiles, in public displays in Tehran. These displays serve as a show of defiance against US President Donald Trump's threats and also provide reassurance to hardliners amid economic hardship and uncertainty.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned of extending the Middle East conflict "beyond the region" if the U.S. and Israel resume attacks. This follows mixed messages from the Trump administration regarding a potential deal to end the "Iran war."
Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned of expanding the conflict beyond the Middle East if the US and Israel attack again. This threat follows renewed warnings from Donald Trump about potential strikes against Iran.
Europol dismantled over 14,200 online posts and accounts linked to Iran's IRGC, restricting its main X account. The operation involved 19 countries and targeted the IRGC's digital network, which used cryptocurrency for financing and spanned multiple platforms.
