In the news: Iran’s IRGC chief Esmail Qaani eyes regional influence as tensions spike and US-Iraq/Syria actions escalate. IRGC commander born 1957.
Iran held a memorial at the Imam Khomeini mosque for over 3,000 killed in January protests, with officials attending and condemning supporters of unrest. Despite a crackdown that killed thousands, protests continue with nightly chants from residents' homes, and opposition rallies abroad, amid tense US-Iran nuclear talks.
Following a six-week conflict with the US and Israel, Iran claims victory and strengthens its leadership. The new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remains unseen and wounded. The Revolutionary Guards have increased influence, while Iran's political system remains opaque as negotiations restart with the US.
President Trump claims ongoing negotiations with Iran's government are progressing but warns of imminent military strikes if a ceasefire is not reached by April 6. He threatens to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure if the US’s demands are not met, citing recent talks and military preparations.
The United States has placed multimillion-dollar bounties on two Iran-aligned Iraqi militia leaders and paused security cooperation with Iraq as it pressures Baghdad to curb militias linked to Tehran amid ongoing regional tensions and a stalled government formation in Baghdad.