Reports related to arrests and political prisoners
On April 11, 2026, the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the arrest of 123 citizens in the provinces of Hamadan, Semnan, and Gilan, charging them with "espionage" and "contact with foreign media outlets."
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. State Department revoked the permanent residency of Isa Hashemi, son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, and his family due to ties to Iranian officials, and federal agents detained them. Isa Hashemi, his wife Maryam Tahmasbi, and their son are now in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and await deportation.
The U.S. State Department announced the arrest of Isa Hashemi, son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, his wife Maryam Tahmasbi, and their son by federal agents after revoking their permanent residency status. The family entered the United States in 2014 with visas issued during the Obama administration.
Activists and protesters critical of the Iranian regime are described as causing destruction in Tehran, with some facing arrest and potential imprisonment in Evin Prison.
Mark Levin stated that while he would not have implemented a ceasefire, he acknowledges that President Trump did so and considers Trump smarter and more perfect in foreign policy than himself.
On January 15, 2026, during a discussion on a news program, Levin commented on a ceasefire, stating, "I wouldn't have done it but he's done it and he's smarter than I am… This government has to go," while MacCallum noted, "It’s pretty clear the same guys are in charge. We have not had a regime change."
Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist, criticized the U.S. government on CBS for discussing "regime change" in Iran without addressing executions, political prisoners, mass repression, and internet blackouts, stating that such negotiations do not benefit the Iranian people.
On April 9, Israeli police announced the arrest of a 22-year-old man from Haifa, detained last month for suspected ties to the Iranian government and activities against Israel's security, including receiving $22,000, photographing sensitive sites, and attempting to manufacture explosives.
Reza Khandan, an imprisoned civil activist and husband of Narges Mohammadi, wrote in a letter from Evin Prison obtained by Radio Farda on April 9 that Ministry of Intelligence agents arrested his wife on April 7 during Tehran's bombardment, accusing the judiciary and president of responsibility for her safety.
Jacques Paris, a French citizen held hostage in Iran for nearly four years and subjected to interrogation and torture in Evin Prison, has returned to France and delivered his first public statement detailing the violent treatment he and fellow detainee Cécile Kohler endured. Paris emphasized that they will now serve as witnesses to their experiences and continue their lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the current campaign is not the end and is merely preparatory for achieving further goals.
Cécile Kohler, a French citizen imprisoned in Iran for nearly four years alongside Jacques Paris, arrived in France on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, and was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron. Kohler and Paris were reportedly exchanged for Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen arrested in France on terrorism charges.
