Iran Unveils New Mid-Range Missile Etemad Capable of Targeting Israel

Iran may feel compelled to develop nuclear weapons if faced with continued threats, as indicated by comments from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to state media, Khamenei emphasized that Iran would have "no choice" but to pursue nuclear capabilities to ensure its national security. This statement follows recent escalations in tensions with the United States and other nations regarding Iran's nuclear program. In his remarks, Khamenei called for the removal of Israel from the region, further heightening regional tensions. U.S. President Joe Biden has previously threatened military action against Iran if it does not comply with international nuclear agreements, a situation Khamenei described as a critical juncture for the nation. The Iranian leadership has consistently defended its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, but external pressures could shift this stance. Analysts warn that a nuclear-armed Iran would destabilize an already volatile Middle East, prompting neighboring countries to reconsider their own defense strategies.

On March 10, 2025, naval vessels from Russia, China, and Iran participated in joint military exercises in the Gulf of Oman, near Chabahar, according to official reports. This exercise, named "Maritime Security Belt 2025," aimed to enhance military trust and improve practical cooperation among the three nations. The drills come amidst heightened tensions in the region and are viewed as a demonstration of military collaboration among these countries. US President Donald Trump commented on the exercises, asserting that the United States remains stronger than its rivals, although he downplayed the significance of the joint drills. The joint exercise signifies a deepening military partnership, particularly between Russia and China, as they expand their influence in the Persian Gulf. Iran's geopolitical strategy involves strengthening ties with these nations amid rising tensions with the United States over nuclear negotiations and regional policies. Both Iran and Russia have been vocal about their opposition to US sanctions and foreign policy in the region, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.

Iranian pop singer Mehdi Yarrahi received a sentence of 74 lashes on March 5, 2025, after being convicted of supporting women's rights through his music. Yarrahi, who was arrested in 2023 for his song "Roosarito," which encouraged women to remove their headscarves, was flogged as part of a punishment rendered by the Revolutionary Court. His lawyer, Zahra Minouei, confirmed the sentence was executed by the Tehran moral security prosecutor. In a defiant statement following the punishment, Yarrahi asserted, "The person who is not willing to pay a price for freedom, is not worthy of freedom." His case is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Iran, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which ignited widespread protests against strict dress codes imposed on women. Human rights advocates, including Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, condemned the punishment as a form of "retaliation" against the movement for women’s rights in Iran. The protests had drawn thousands demanding an end to the Islamic regime, though most have been suppressed.