Iran Detains Opposition Leaders Following Talks with Trump Administration

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Erika SolomonFebruary 9, 2026 at 04:50 PM

AI Summary

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In February 2026, Iranian authorities detained at least five prominent reformist opposition figures, including Azar Mansouri, Mohsen Aminzadeh, Javad Emam, and Ebrahim Ashgarzade. These arrests are part of a broader crackdown on dissent following recent nationwide protests and mass arrests, estimated by rights groups to have affected over 40,000 people. The Iranian government accuses those arrested of being "rioters" or "terrorists" backed by the U.S. and Israel. Analysts suggest the crackdown aims to silence internal dissent and project an image of control amid renewed negotiations with the United States and ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf. The government's actions signal a willingness to suppress any form of opposition to maintain its power.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reformist Front 30% HRANA 30% Persian Gulf 40% International Crisis Group 40% Ali Vaez 40% Ebrahim Ashgarzade 50% Azar Mansouri 50% Mohsen Aminzadeh 50% Javad Emam 50% Donald Trump 60% United States ×270% Iran ×790%

Keywords

iran 100% crackdown on dissent 90% opposition leaders 80% arrests 70% reformist movement 70% anti-government unrest 60% repression 60% trump administration 50% political elite 50%