Iran Launches First Drone Carrier Amid Military Showcase

In a striking act of defiance, a woman in Mashhad, Iran, stripped naked and leaped onto a police car, drawing significant attention to the country’s strict hijab regulations. The incident, which occurred on February 5, was captured in a video widely shared online, showing her frantically yelling at police officers while sitting atop the vehicle. Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad shared the footage, highlighting her fierce resistance against the conservative regime. Her husband reportedly stated that she was taken into care following the protest. Observers noted that a male officer appeared hesitant to act against her while she was unclothed. The protest comes in the wake of a controversial “chastity and hijab” bill passed in December 2024, which proposed severe punishments for women not adhering to strict dress codes, including possible imprisonment for up to 15 years. Activists and human rights organizations have condemned such laws, accusing the Iranian government of worsening repression following nationwide protests ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

Iran inaugurated its first drone-carrier warship, the Shahid Bagheri, on February 6, 2025, showcasing the vessel's capabilities in the Persian Gulf. The ship, reportedly modified from a commercial vessel, is designed to operate far from Iran's coastline and can launch both drones and helicopters as well as cruise missiles, according to the official IRNA news agency. With a length of 180 meters and a runway to accommodate multiple aircraft, the Shahid Bagheri can reportedly travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel. General Hossein Salami, chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, emphasized the warship's role in bolstering Iran’s defense capabilities, stating during its unveiling that the country does not seek war but will not shy away from asserting its strength if threatened. The ship is also equipped with facilities like a hospital and gym for its crew. This development reflects Iran's ongoing efforts to enhance its maritime presence since initiating a military self-sufficiency plan in 1992 aimed at producing its own military hardware.

A striking incident in Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, has gone viral after a woman was filmed stripping naked and jumping onto a police car in a public protest against the country’s stringent dress code laws for women. The footage, shared widely on social media, depicts her standing defiantly on the police vehicle’s hood and windshield while shouting at armed officers, who hesitated to intervene due to her nakedness, according to Euronews. The protest highlights ongoing resistance to Iran's compulsory hijab laws, which mandate that women dress modestly in public. Despite past incidents of women bravely confronting authority, such as a female removing a cleric's turban at an airport, the situation remains tense. Reports indicate that severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, are imposed on women who defy the dress code. The bold action of the woman has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some labeling her as a symbol of resistance and others questioning her mental state. Amid international scrutiny and criticism, Iran's legislature previously passed a "chastity and hijab" bill imposing stricter penalties, though it is currently on hold following global outcry from activists.