Khamenei Hosts Hamas Leaders in Tehran Amid Ongoing Israel Conflict

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unveiled the country’s first drone carrier, named Martyr Bahman Bagheri, during a ceremony on February 6, 2025. This project, described by naval commander Alireza Tangsiri as the "largest naval military project" in the Islamic Republic's history, repurposes a commercial vessel into a military asset over two and a half years. The carrier can launch long-range missiles, carry up to 60 drones, and is equipped for electronic warfare, capable of remaining at sea for up to a year. During the unveiling, Guards chief Hossein Salami emphasized that Iran does not seek to threaten others but insisted the nation would not succumb to threats. This military display coincided with the Fajr decade, a ten-day celebration of the Islamic Revolution. The unveiling follows recent military shows of strength by Iran, including the introduction of a new ballistic missile with a range of 1,700 kilometers, as tensions with the U.S. continue. According to IRNA, the state news agency, this initiative highlights Iran’s ongoing development of sophisticated military capabilities since the 1979 revolution.

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.