Iranian poet faces execution after court denies death sentence review

The case against him stemmed from his poetry, political writings and protest activities, the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center said, citing sources close to his family, who also said he had not taken part in any armed activities.

The US-based group said former cellmates reported torture during interrogation, the destruction of some of his handwritten poems and denial of full medical care despite serious health problems.

Farahavar, a 37-year-old father from Iran’s northern province of Gilan, was sentenced to death on accusations of “armed rebellion against the state” (baghi) and “enmity against God” (moharebeh) by a Revolutionary Court in Rasht.

Farahavar was arrested in Rasht in September 2024 and later transferred to Lakan Prison after being held at an Intelligence Ministry detention center, the group said.

Iran has been carrying out near-daily executions, which has raised fears for detainees believed to be facing the death penalty over January’s anti-government protests, as well as prisoners accused of espionage during the war with the United States and Israel.

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  Iran executes another political prisoner on spying charges

Iran appears to be preparing for a possible resumption of hostilities with the United States and Israel while seeking guarantees against future attacks in any negotiations, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said on Tuesday.

The Washington-based think tank said Tehran indicated it will not negotiate without credible deterrence measures, including demands related to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

The report also said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps appeared to be consolidating influence within Iran’s leadership structure under Ahmad Vahidi and his inner circle.

US Senator Tim Sheehy criticized Pakistan following reports that it allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its airfields during the Iran conflict.

Sheehy said on Fox Pakistan had long served as a haven for extremist groups and accused Islamabad of “hedging against America,” referring to reports that Iranian aircraft were allowed to park at Pakistani bases.

China’s Foreign Minister on Tuesday urged Pakistan to intensify its mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, Chinese state media reported.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the call during a conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to Xinhua.

State media said Wang also referred to the need to “properly” address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.

At least six Chinese-owned or operated tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday despite reduced overall shipping traffic in the waterway, according to vessel tracking data.

Maritime tracking and open-source intelligence reports said vessels including DEEPBLUE, APEX GAS, QUAR, STARWAY, AQUILA, YUAN HUA HU and the vehicle carrier CIANG JIANG KOU crossed the strait on Tuesday.