More Stories
Ali Pakzad, a journalist with the reformist Iranian daily Shargh, has informed his family that he is in detention, the newspaper said on Tuesday.
Pakzad had been out of contact since Monday after heading out to report on the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Iran’s state broadcaster in Tehran. Shargh said the reasons for his detention remain unclear and called for his swift release.
Iran has implemented succession planning across sensitive institutions to ensure continuity even amid high-profile assassinations, Fars News Agency quoted an unnamed senior Iranian official as saying.
“Based on the experience of the Sacred Defense era (Iran-Iraq war 1980–88), the Islamic Republic has made precise decisions and arrangements for managing sensitive and security centers, including succession for up to ten tiers of officials and commanders,” the source was quoted as saying.
“There has been no disruption, and there will not be any, in critical functions due to potential assassinations,” the source added.
The individual, described as a high-level informed official, also said that immediate protective measures have been taken, including restrictions on officials' use of publicly connected communication equipment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Tuesday that it has identified additional elements indicating direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site, based on continued analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday’s Israeli strikes.
No changes were reported at the Esfahan and Fordow facilities.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel is preparing to strike “very significant targets” in Iran, Kan public broadcaster reported.
Speaking to reporters, Katz added that an evacuation warning would be issued ahead of the strikes in Iran.
He said the Fordow nuclear facility is “an issue that will certainly be addressed,” and that Israel is “on the verge of destroying” more than ten nuclear-related targets in Tehran, citing the air force’s aerial superiority.
Iran’s government spokesperson said on Tuesday that there are no issues in the distribution of gasoline, despite public awareness of queues at fuel stations.
The spokesperson acknowledged the existence of lines but emphasized that fuel distribution is being managed effectively and that there is no systemic problem.
Temporary and mobile fuel stations are also under consideration to improve the situation.
Additionally, the spokesperson mentioned that the government is taking a local, community-focused approach to address issues with bakeries and essential goods, ensuring a stable supply chain.
