The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also called Sepah or Pasdaran, is a multi-service primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces. Watch to know more

Iran's revolutionary guard corps: Military capabilities

Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus was flattened on Monday in what Syrian and Iranian media described as an Israeli air strike. The strike killed a top Revolutionary Guards commander and several diplomats.

Iranian consulate in Damascus flattened in suspected Israeli air strike

An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus. A commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force in Lebanon, was killed in the strike. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: Iranian IRGC commander killed in air strike on Syria embassy compound

An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus, killing or wounding everyone inside. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: Israeli air strike destroys Iranian consulate in Damascus

The Indian Navy's rescue of 23 Pakistani crew from a fishing vessel hijacked by pirates on Friday. It's the latest of multiple such achievements over the last few months and the Pakistani fisherman in fact put out a message for the Indian Navy.

Rescued Pakistani crew thanks Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has responded to a potential piracy attack on an Iranian fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea, and diverted two naval ships to intercept the hijacked vessel on Friday. Watch in for more details!

Indian navy to the rescue of Iranian vessel from pirate attack

Indian Navy recieves distress signal during patrol, rescues hijacked Iranian vessel

Indian Navy intercepts hijacked Iranian vessels

A special exhibit at this year's Doha International Maritime Defence exhibition and at the conference is a drone manufactured by Iran called the Gaza drone. Watch to know more!

Iran's 'Gaza' drone stuns international market

Iran pitches its new 'Gaza' drone to the international market

The Biden administration is asking states to bolster security for water and wastewater systems, warning that utilities across the country are being targeted by “disabling cyberattacks.”

US prepares for potential cyber assaults, White House warns Governors of hacks on US' water systems

U.S. Officials traveled to niger to express concerns about the country's potential development of ties to Russia and Iran before the ruling junta revoked an accord governing the roughly 1,000 u.S. Military personnel there.

Niger revokes accord with US military

The UN fact-finding mission on Iran said Monday that it found the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, in police custody "unlawful." Amini's death sparked a wave of nationwide protests in September 2022. She was detained in Tehran allegedly for not adhering to the mandatory dress code norms.

UN investigation finds Mahsa Amini's death in police custody 'unlawful'

The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Friday (March 15) issued a statement warning Iran against&nbsp;transfering ballistic missiles to Russia for its offensive against Ukraine or else face new sanctions.

This&nbsp;could include a ban on Iran Air flights to Europe, said a senior US official on Friday (March 15).

"Were Iran to proceed with providing ballistic missiles or related technology to Russia, we are prepared to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner including with new and significant measures against Iran," the G7 leaders said in a statement.

"We are extremely concerned about reports that Iran is considering transferring ballistic missiles and related technology," the statement further read.

"We call on Iran not to do so, as it would add to regional destabilization and represent a substantive material escalation in its support for Russia's war in Ukraine," the G7 said, adding that Tehran had already provided Russia with drones that it had used against civilians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-in-ukrainian-shelling-in-russias-belgorod-region-as-russian-presidential-vote-begins-700476">14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling</a>

<h2>US issues warning</h2>

The United States also warned the Islamic Republic not to proceed with the transfer of missiles.

As per the news agency Reuters, the US&nbsp;official said that one of the options under consideration "would have the effect of ending flights from Iran Air, its flagship state-owned carrier, into Europe - the point being, this is not business as usual."&nbsp;

The official, as per news agency Reuters, said that while the United States could not confirm reports of the transfer of missiles from Iran to Russia, it was clear that Tehran did make efforts to advance negotiations with Moscow on the ballistic projectiles.

The restrictions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Iran's export of some missiles, drones and other technologies expired in the month of October last year.

However, the EU and US retained sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program amid concerns over exports of weapons to its proxies in the Middle East and to Russia.

The United States has claimed that Iran has already provided Russia with drones, guided aerial bombs and artillery ammunition that has been used by Moscow in its offensive against Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Friday (March 15) issued a statement warning Iran against transfering ballistic missiles to Russia for its offensive against Ukraine or else face new sanctions.

The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Friday (March 15) issued a statement warning Iran against transfering ballistic missiles to Russia for its offensive against Ukraine or else face new sanctions. This could include a ban on Iran Air flights to Europe, said a senior US official on Friday (March 15). "Were Iran to proceed with providing ballistic missiles or related technology to Russia, we are prepared to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner including with new and significant measures against Iran," the G7 leaders said in a statement. "We are extremely concerned about reports that Iran is considering transferring ballistic missiles and related technology," the statement further read. "We call on Iran not to do so, as it would add to regional destabilization and represent a substantive material escalation in its support for Russia's war in Ukraine," the G7 said, adding that Tehran had already provided Russia with drones that it had used against civilians. Also read: 14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling US issues warning The United States also warned the Islamic Republic not to proceed with the transfer of missiles. As per the news agency Reuters, the US official said that one of the options under consideration "would have the effect of ending flights from Iran Air, its flagship state-owned carrier, into Europe - the point being, this is not business as usual." The official, as per news agency Reuters, said that while the United States could not confirm reports of the transfer of missiles from Iran to Russia, it was clear that Tehran did make efforts to advance negotiations with Moscow on the ballistic projectiles. The restrictions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Iran's export of some missiles, drones and other technologies expired in the month of October last year. However, the EU and US retained sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program amid concerns over exports of weapons to its proxies in the Middle East and to Russia. The United States has claimed that Iran has already provided Russia with drones, guided aerial bombs and artillery ammunition that has been used by Moscow in its offensive against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

US, G7 warn Iran not to give ballistic missiles to Russia for Ukraine war, threaten new sanctions

According to reports, the US held 'indirect talks' with Iranian officials in Oman earlier this year amid tensions in Red Sea. The meetings marked the first known talks between the two countries since the prisoner swap between the two countries last September. The talks show how the Biden administration is using diplomatic channels in an attempt to de-escalate a wave of regional conflicts that have emerged amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Gravitas: US sought foe Iran's help amid red sea crisis?

Iran is reportedly using European ports to provide cover for shipments of weapons to Lebanon’s Hezbollah party. The Lebanese, Iran-backed group has received missiles and bombs on ships that go on to dock in ports in Belgium, Spain and Italy.

Report: Iran using EU ports to transfer weapons to Hezbollah

Report: Iran uses European ports for arms sent to Hezbollah

A rare sigh in Iran. Large crowds have packed the streets to celebrate the tradition of Chaahaar Shanbeh Suri. Iran has banned dancing in public. It is seen as a way to protest.

Iranians voice outrage during fire festival, Iranians use holiday to defy curbs

Iran is using European ports to provide cover for shipments of weapons to Hezbollah, The Telegraph can reveal. The Lebanese terror group has received missiles and bombs on ships that go on to dock in ports in Belgium, Spain and Italy, sources said.

Lebanon received weapons through European ports: Reports

Iran ships weapons through European ports

Researchers have identified what is believed to be the world's oldest known lipstick, or lip paint – a small, ornate stone vial containing a deep red paste, which was discovered in southeastern Iran. Watch in for more details!

Ancient lip paint found in Southeast Iran

Nearly 4,000-year-old lipstick has been discovered by researchers in Iran's Jiroft region, providing a glimpse into the sophisticated beauty practices of the Bronze Age in the region. Researchers found that the chemical composition of the lipstick bears a resemblance to modern-day store-bought lipsticks.

Gravitas: 4,000-year-old lipstick vial found in Iran's Jiroft region

China, Russia and Iran are showing off their marine capabilities in a joint naval drill in the Gulf of Oman amid increased tensions in the region, in what is the fifth common military exercise held by these countries in recent years.

Iran, Russia and China show their military might in the Gulf of Oman

The US has held secret talks with Iran this year in a bid to convince Tehran to use its influence over Yemen's Houthi movement to end attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Watch in for more details!

Iran held secret talks with US over red sea

An Iranian woman got into a heated argument with a cleric who clicked her pictures because she was not wearing the hijab. The woman's argument with the cleric was recorded and shared on social media, after which it went viral.

The video was filmed at a Qom clinic where the woman had come with her baby. She got upset when she noticed her pictures being clicked because she was not wearing the hijab and asked the cleric to delete the images.&nbsp;

However, the cleric refused to accept her request after which the two got involved in an ugly spat.&nbsp;

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In Iran, wearing the head scarf in public places has been compulsory for women since the 1979 revolution.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intelligence-says-iran-did-not-orchestrate-nor-had-foreknowledge-of-oct-7-attacks-699432">US intelligence says Iran ‘did not orchestrate nor had foreknowledge’ of October 7 attacks</a>

<h2>Iran arrests four people in connection with video&nbsp;</h2>

After the video of the scuffle went viral, four people were arrested by Iran on suspicion of handing over the video to a foreign-based broadcaster.&nbsp;

The footage of the argument in Iran's Shiite clerical centre of Qom was also aired on the London-based news channel Iran International, which the Iran government sees as an "enemy media" outlet.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Iran foreign minister visits Syria meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

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Ruhollah Moslemhkani, deputy prosecutor of Qom, Ruhollah Moslemhkani, said that four of the "main publishers and senders" of the video to the "enemy (Iran) International network" were arrested, as reported by the Fars news agency.

"What is clear to us, and we are sure of, is a design and planning had been made to create division and sedition in the society," he said.

The mandatory dress code has remained controversial in Iran since Mahsa Amini's death in police custody in September 2022 after she was arrested for an alleged breach.

Her death led to nationwide protests which the government authorities claimed took place because of incitement by foreign-based Farsi-language media and the Western governments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Iranian woman got into a heated argument with a cleric who clicked her pictures because she was not wearing the hijab. The woman's argument with the cleric was recorded and shared on social media, after which it went viral.

An Iranian woman got into a heated argument with a cleric who clicked her pictures because she was not wearing the hijab. The woman's argument with the cleric was recorded and shared on social media, after which it went viral. The video was filmed at a Qom clinic where the woman had come with her baby. She got upset when she noticed her pictures being clicked because she was not wearing the hijab and asked the cleric to delete the images. However, the cleric refused to accept her request after which the two got involved in an ugly spat. Today's images from Iran show a cleric engaging in a confrontation with an unveiled woman at a clinic in Qom while filming her. According to these images, the young woman, who arrived at the clinic with her baby, becomes upset upon noticing the filming and asks the cleric to… pic.twitter.com/Y7owgqY7lH — Ellie Omidvari (@ElhamOmidvari) March 9, 2024 × In Iran, wearing the head scarf in public places has been compulsory for women since the 1979 revolution. Also Read: US intelligence says Iran ‘did not orchestrate nor had foreknowledge’ of October 7 attacks Iran arrests four people in connection with video After the video of the scuffle went viral, four people were arrested by Iran on suspicion of handing over the video to a foreign-based broadcaster. The footage of the argument in Iran's Shiite clerical centre of Qom was also aired on the London-based news channel Iran International, which the Iran government sees as an "enemy media" outlet. Watch: Iran foreign minister visits Syria meets Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Ruhollah Moslemhkani, deputy prosecutor of Qom, Ruhollah Moslemhkani, said that four of the "main publishers and senders" of the video to the "enemy (Iran) International network" were arrested, as reported by the Fars news agency. "What is clear to us, and we are sure of, is a design and planning had been made to create division and sedition in the society," he said. The mandatory dress code has remained controversial in Iran since Mahsa Amini's death in police custody in September 2022 after she was arrested for an alleged breach. Her death led to nationwide protests which the government authorities claimed took place because of incitement by foreign-based Farsi-language media and the Western governments. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Iranian woman without hijab gets into a scuffle with cleric for clicking her picture

China, Russia and Iran have begun joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman amid increased tensions in the region, in what is the fifth common military exercise held by these countries in recent years.

China, Russia, Iran launch joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman

In a stunning discovery, the researchers recently found a 4,000-year-old lipstick which is believed to be the world's oldest known lipstick, or lip paint.&nbsp;

The lipstick was a small, ornate stone vial filled with a deep red paste and was found in southeastern Iran.

"We hypothesise a lip paint, rather than a solid lipstick because we have no certain idea about the original consistency or fluidity of the cosmetic substance," said Massimo Vidale, one of the lead researchers of the study in a statement, while speaking to ABC News.&nbsp;

<h2>Where did the researchers first discover this ancient lipstick?</h2>

The artefact, which belongs to the Bronze Age and dates back to between 1936 BC&nbsp;and 1687 BC, was first found in 2001 by researchers after ancient graveyards were unearthed in a flood, as per the study published in the journal Scientific Reports in February.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-make-stunning-discovery-of-fossil-belonging-to-240-million-year-old-dragon-693402">Scientists make stunning discovery of fossil belonging to 240 million-year-old 'dragon'</a>

According to the study, the 2001 flooding in the Halil River Valley, Iran, revealed the Bronze Age Marhasi civilisation's ancient ruins. The civilisation is believed to have consisted of "powerful" people who thrived along with Mesopotamia.&nbsp;

The researchers informed that the ancient lipstick vial along with jewellery, weapons, and finely crafted ceramics was recovered by Iranian officials from the artefacts looted from the ruins and later sold in antique markets.&nbsp;

"A small chlorite vial, discovered among numerous artefacts looted and recovered in the Jiroft region of Kerman province contains a deep red cosmetic preparation that is likely a lip-colouring paint or paste," said researchers&nbsp;in the study.

The vial was kept as part of the Jiroft Archaeological Museum's collection in Iran before researchers from the Italian University of Padua, the Iranian University of Tehran, and the International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies in Rome analysed it.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Archaeologists excavate mankind's earliest dated cave paintings

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As per the study, the hand-carved stone vial is nearly two inches tall by three-quarters of an inch wide which is a little smaller than modern-day lipsticks.&nbsp;

The study's most notable finding is that the mineral components present in the lipstick artefact "[bear] a striking resemblance to the recipes of contemporary lipsticks," as per the researchers.

After scanning an electron microscope, the researchers found that the ingredients in the vial included hematite, darkened with manganite and braunite, and traces of galena and anglesite, mixed with vegetal waxes and other organic substances, as per Vidale, who further emphasised that if all of it is&nbsp;"combined it is exactly what one would expect in a modern lipstick."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a stunning discovery, the researchers recently found a 4,000-year-old lipstick which is believed to be the world's oldest known lipstick, or lip paint. The lipstick was a small, ornate stone vial filled with a deep red paste and was found in southeastern Iran.

In a stunning discovery, the researchers recently found a 4,000-year-old lipstick which is believed to be the world's oldest known lipstick, or lip paint. The lipstick was a small, ornate stone vial filled with a deep red paste and was found in southeastern Iran. "We hypothesise a lip paint, rather than a solid lipstick because we have no certain idea about the original consistency or fluidity of the cosmetic substance," said Massimo Vidale, one of the lead researchers of the study in a statement, while speaking to ABC News. Where did the researchers first discover this ancient lipstick? The artefact, which belongs to the Bronze Age and dates back to between 1936 BC and 1687 BC, was first found in 2001 by researchers after ancient graveyards were unearthed in a flood, as per the study published in the journal Scientific Reports in February. Also Read: Scientists make stunning discovery of fossil belonging to 240 million-year-old 'dragon' According to the study, the 2001 flooding in the Halil River Valley, Iran, revealed the Bronze Age Marhasi civilisation's ancient ruins. The civilisation is believed to have consisted of "powerful" people who thrived along with Mesopotamia. The researchers informed that the ancient lipstick vial along with jewellery, weapons, and finely crafted ceramics was recovered by Iranian officials from the artefacts looted from the ruins and later sold in antique markets. "A small chlorite vial, discovered among numerous artefacts looted and recovered in the Jiroft region of Kerman province contains a deep red cosmetic preparation that is likely a lip-colouring paint or paste," said researchers in the study. The vial was kept as part of the Jiroft Archaeological Museum's collection in Iran before researchers from the Italian University of Padua, the Iranian University of Tehran, and the International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies in Rome analysed it. Watch: Archaeologists excavate mankind's earliest dated cave paintings As per the study, the hand-carved stone vial is nearly two inches tall by three-quarters of an inch wide which is a little smaller than modern-day lipsticks. The study's most notable finding is that the mineral components present in the lipstick artefact "[bear] a striking resemblance to the recipes of contemporary lipsticks," as per the researchers. After scanning an electron microscope, the researchers found that the ingredients in the vial included hematite, darkened with manganite and braunite, and traces of galena and anglesite, mixed with vegetal waxes and other organic substances, as per Vidale, who further emphasised that if all of it is "combined it is exactly what one would expect in a modern lipstick." (With inputs from agencies)

World's oldest lipstick found in Iran. It dates back to Bronze Age

China, Iran and Russia stage joint naval drills in gulf of Oman. Military exercises running through March 16 are to involve warships and aviation.

China, Iran and Russia military exercise come amid rise in Red Sea attacks

Iranian leaders "did not orchestrate nor had foreknowledge of the Hamas attack against Israel", a US intelligence assessment report released on Monday (March 11) claimed while referring to the October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel in which around 1200 people were killed. But it added that Tehran has since encouraged its proxy militias in the region to mount attacks against Israeli and US interests.

The report also warned that the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement "will consider a range of retaliatory options" in the immediate future&nbsp;depending on Israel’s actions in Lebanon.

<h2>Netanyahu's coalition is 'in jeopardy': US intelligence&nbsp;</h2>

The "annual threat assessment" report said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition is "in jeopardy".&nbsp;

"Netanyahu’s viability as leader as well as his governing coalition of far-right and ultraorthodox parties . . . may be in jeopardy," the assessment said.

The assessment added that people's distrust of Israel's embattled premier "has deepened and broadened".&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Israelis demand PM Netanyahu's resignation, faces heat over his hardline policies

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While Netanyahu has attempted to assuage public sentiment by purportedly launching a strong retaliatory state of war in Gaza after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, the failure to stop such an attack continues to hover over his prospects to be in power.&nbsp;

The US intelligence noted that "a different, more moderate government is a possibility" after any new election.

About 70 per cent of Israeli people want Netanyahu to step down either immediately or following the conclusion of the ongoing war in Gaza, according to public opinion polls.&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas threat will remain for years to come: US assessment</h2>

The US assessment said that Prime Minister Netanyahu's stated goal of "destroying Hamas" enjoys strong public support. But at the same time, Israel&nbsp;"probably will face lingering armed resistance from Hamas for years to come".

The report posed doubts over "governance outcomes" in post-war Gaza as Hamas continues to have significant public support and there remains "continued animosity" between the militant group and its rivals in the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-reacts-to-perceived-tensions-between-israel-and-us-699143">Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu reacts to perceived tensions between Israel and US</a>

"Much...  will hinge on Israel’s decisions regarding how to deal with Gaza in the aftermath of its campaign as well as the scale and scope of its support for the PA," the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian leaders "did not orchestrate nor had foreknowledge of the Hamas attack against Israel", a US intelligence assessment report released on Monday (March 11) claimed while referring to the October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel in which around 1200 people were killed.

Iranian leaders "did not orchestrate nor had foreknowledge of the Hamas attack against Israel", a US intelligence assessment report released on Monday (March 11) claimed while referring to the October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel in which around 1200 people were killed. But it added that Tehran has since encouraged its proxy militias in the region to mount attacks against Israeli and US interests. The report also warned that the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement "will consider a range of retaliatory options" in the immediate future depending on Israel’s actions in Lebanon. Netanyahu's coalition is 'in jeopardy': US intelligence The "annual threat assessment" report said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition is "in jeopardy". "Netanyahu’s viability as leader as well as his governing coalition of far-right and ultraorthodox parties . . . may be in jeopardy," the assessment said. The assessment added that people's distrust of Israel's embattled premier "has deepened and broadened". Also watch | Israelis demand PM Netanyahu's resignation, faces heat over his hardline policies × While Netanyahu has attempted to assuage public sentiment by purportedly launching a strong retaliatory state of war in Gaza after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, the failure to stop such an attack continues to hover over his prospects to be in power. The US intelligence noted that "a different, more moderate government is a possibility" after any new election. About 70 per cent of Israeli people want Netanyahu to step down either immediately or following the conclusion of the ongoing war in Gaza, according to public opinion polls. Hamas threat will remain for years to come: US assessment The US assessment said that Prime Minister Netanyahu's stated goal of "destroying Hamas" enjoys strong public support. But at the same time, Israel "probably will face lingering armed resistance from Hamas for years to come". The report posed doubts over "governance outcomes" in post-war Gaza as Hamas continues to have significant public support and there remains "continued animosity" between the militant group and its rivals in the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu reacts to perceived tensions between Israel and US "Much...  will hinge on Israel’s decisions regarding how to deal with Gaza in the aftermath of its campaign as well as the scale and scope of its support for the PA," the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

US intelligence says Iran ‘did not orchestrate nor had foreknowledge’ of October 7 attacks

A UN fact-finding mission (FFM) investigating Iran's response to the 2022 protests has denounced the regime's actions as constituting crimes against humanity. Initiated in November 2022, following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, the FFM's report has asserted that the Iranian government systematically violated human rights, particularly targeting women and girls.

The FFM's investigation, corroborating reports from sources like The Guardian, has brought to notice&nbsp;a harrowing pattern of gender-specific targeting.

Female protesters were deliberately singled out, facing close-range shootings aimed at their faces and genitals—a stark testament to the regime's brutality against its own citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executed-at-least-834-people-in-2023-highest-number-since-2015-696830">Also read |&nbsp;Iran executed at least 834 people in 2023, highest number since 2015: Report</a>

<h2>Grave violations</h2>

The report catalogues a litany of atrocities, including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape, and persecution, perpetrated against civilians expressing dissent, notably women and girls.

Human Rights Watch estimates over 500 fatalities, including 68 children, with more than 20,000 arrests during the protests.

Describing the regime's actions as a systematic assault on fundamental rights, the FFM underscores the targeted persecution of women, girls, and advocates for gender equality.

Arrested individuals, including children, faced beatings, rape, electrocution, and forced nudity, revealing a campaign of terror orchestrated by Iranian authorities.

The report condemns the regime's flagrant disregard for due process, highlighting nine executions without fair trials. These extrajudicial killings constitute unlawful deprivation of life and contravene international prohibitions against torture and ill-treatment. Despite calls for cooperation, Iranian authorities rebuffed the FFM's requests for dialogue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-dead-in-explosion-at-irans-bandar-abbas-refiner-697600">Also read |&nbsp;Several dead in explosion at Iran oil refinery</a>

The UN report has demanded&nbsp;accountability from Iranian authorities, urging them to deliver justice, truth, and reparations to victims and their families.

As the report surfaces, human rights organisations highlight the Iranian government's relentless targeting of protesters' families, journalists, activists, lawyers, and doctors. Amnesty International's recent findings also shed light on&nbsp;a draconian crackdown, particularly on women and girls, enforcing compulsory hijab laws and subjecting them to surveillance, policing, and inhumane punishments.

(With inputs from agencies)

A UN fact-finding mission (FFM) investigating Iran's response to the 2022 protests has denounced the regime's actions as constituting crimes against humanity. Initiated in November 2022, following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, the FFM's report has asserted that the Iranian government systematically violated human rights, particularly targeting women and girls.

A UN fact-finding mission (FFM) investigating Iran's response to the 2022 protests has denounced the regime's actions as constituting crimes against humanity. Initiated in November 2022, following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, the FFM's report has asserted that the Iranian government systematically violated human rights, particularly targeting women and girls. The FFM's investigation, corroborating reports from sources like The Guardian, has brought to notice a harrowing pattern of gender-specific targeting. Female protesters were deliberately singled out, facing close-range shootings aimed at their faces and genitals—a stark testament to the regime's brutality against its own citizens. Also read | Iran executed at least 834 people in 2023, highest number since 2015: Report Grave violations The report catalogues a litany of atrocities, including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape, and persecution, perpetrated against civilians expressing dissent, notably women and girls. Human Rights Watch estimates over 500 fatalities, including 68 children, with more than 20,000 arrests during the protests. Describing the regime's actions as a systematic assault on fundamental rights, the FFM underscores the targeted persecution of women, girls, and advocates for gender equality. Arrested individuals, including children, faced beatings, rape, electrocution, and forced nudity, revealing a campaign of terror orchestrated by Iranian authorities. The report condemns the regime's flagrant disregard for due process, highlighting nine executions without fair trials. These extrajudicial killings constitute unlawful deprivation of life and contravene international prohibitions against torture and ill-treatment. Despite calls for cooperation, Iranian authorities rebuffed the FFM's requests for dialogue. Also read | Several dead in explosion at Iran oil refinery The UN report has demanded accountability from Iranian authorities, urging them to deliver justice, truth, and reparations to victims and their families. As the report surfaces, human rights organisations highlight the Iranian government's relentless targeting of protesters' families, journalists, activists, lawyers, and doctors. Amnesty International's recent findings also shed light on a draconian crackdown, particularly on women and girls, enforcing compulsory hijab laws and subjecting them to surveillance, policing, and inhumane punishments. (With inputs from agencies)

UN slams Iran's protest crackdown as 'crimes against humanity'

At least two individuals sustained injuries during a maintenance operation at the Aftab oil refinery in Bandar Abbas, Iran, as reported by Iranian state media outlets on Thursday (March 7), citing the operating company.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-to-have-identified-bomb-maker-behind-twin-blasts-that-killed-dozens-679140" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-to-have-identified-bomb-maker-behind-twin-blasts-that-killed-dozens-679140&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9gvWFiOKEAxUzkK8BHRdqBF0QFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0XMS64JdQD7lJenzVBRoBc" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-to-have-identified-bomb-maker-behind-twin-blasts-that-killed-dozens-679140" target="_blank">Iran&nbsp;claims to have identified bomb maker behind twin&nbsp;blasts</a>

Earlier, the Iranian state news agency IRNA had mentioned an accident at the refinery resulting in both casualties and injuries but emphasised the absence of an official statement.

Subsequent reports from various state media outlets characterised the incident as a partial event occurring during a maintenance operation,&nbsp;refraining from providing specific details about the nature of the operation.&nbsp;

They confirmed at least two injuries, making no mention of any fatalities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-blames-us-israels-role-in-twin-blast-vows-harsh-response-676651" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-blames-us-israels-role-in-twin-blast-vows-harsh-response-676651&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9gvWFiOKEAxUzkK8BHRdqBF0QFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0StrSqpoF1_TGn17sBzvi2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-blames-us-israels-role-in-twin-blast-vows-harsh-response-676651" target="_blank">Iran&nbsp;blames US &amp; Israel's role in twin&nbsp;blast, vows harsh response</a>

The situation is unfolding, and ongoing investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blast and evaluate the extent of the damage. Updates are anticipated as authorities continue their assessment.

This is a developing story. More to follow.

At least two individuals sustained injuries during a maintenance operation at the Aftab oil refinery in Bandar Abbas, Iran, as reported by Iranian state media outlets on Thursday (March 7), citing the operating company.

At least two individuals sustained injuries during a maintenance operation at the Aftab oil refinery in Bandar Abbas, Iran, as reported by Iranian state media outlets on Thursday (March 7), citing the operating company. Also read: Iran claims to have identified bomb maker behind twin blasts Earlier, the Iranian state news agency IRNA had mentioned an accident at the refinery resulting in both casualties and injuries but emphasised the absence of an official statement. Subsequent reports from various state media outlets characterised the incident as a partial event occurring during a maintenance operation, refraining from providing specific details about the nature of the operation. They confirmed at least two injuries, making no mention of any fatalities. Also read: Iran blames US & Israel's role in twin blast, vows harsh response The situation is unfolding, and ongoing investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blast and evaluate the extent of the damage. Updates are anticipated as authorities continue their assessment. This is a developing story. More to follow.

Several dead in explosion at Iran oil refinery

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