Crackdown on dissent after nationwide protests in Iran widens to ensnare reformist figures

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by By JON GAMBRELLFebruary 9, 2026 at 08:53 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Following nationwide protests and the deaths of thousands, Iran has widened its crackdown on dissent to include figures within the reformist movement. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi received an additional seven-year prison sentence after beginning a hunger strike. At least four members of the reformist movement have been arrested, including Azar Mansouri, head of the Reformist Front, and former diplomat Mohsen Aminzadeh. Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, a leader of the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover, was also detained. These actions signal an intensified effort by the Iranian government to silence opposition amidst potential renewed nuclear talks with the United States.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 50% Mohammad Khatami 50% Mohsen Aminzadeh 60% Azar Mansouri 60% United States ×260% Reformist Front 60% Tehran ×270% Ebrahim Asgharzadeh ×270% Narges Mohammadi ×290% Iran ×795%

Keywords

iran 90% crackdown on dissent 90% nationwide protests 80% reformist movement 80% narges mohammadi 70% security forces 60% prison sentence 60% theocracy 50% arrests 50%