Iran orders asset seizures targeting expatriates, including media staff

The chief of staff to Iran’s president warned that the country must prioritize internal unity, saying the threat facing Iran extends beyond military confrontation to what he described as a broader enemy campaign aimed at influencing public opinion and creating divisions within society.

“We must be concerned about the unity of society,” Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei told the state TV, adding that Iran is not only confronting the enemy’s military machine but also a wider front seeking to shape narratives and deepen internal rifts.

He said the president has consistently emphasized the need to safeguard cohesion despite differing views within the country, noting that decision-making authority ultimately rests with the established leadership structure.

The official also accused adversaries of attempting to widen social divides, while stressing that Iran’s Supreme Leader, in coordination with the Supreme National Security Council, would take what he called the necessary decisions.

Iranian state media, citing the governor of Kohgiluyeh County in southwestern Iran, reported that the Kouh Siah area was struck by a deadly missile attack earlier on Saturday, describing it as a “US-Israeli” operation.

The missile strikes hit the telecommunications and IRIB broadcast tower of Kouh Siah in Dehdasht, killing four and injuring one, a deputy governor general of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad province told state media.

The reported attack comes as search efforts are believed to be ongoing in the same region for an American aviator who went missing after ejecting from a fighter jet shot down over Iran.

There has been no immediate confirmation from US or Israeli officials regarding the reported strike.

The commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters described President Donald Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum to reach a deal with Washington as “foolish.”

“In a desperate, angry and unbalanced move, he has threatened our infrastructure,” Ali Abdollahi said.

Responding to Trump’s warning that “all hell will reign down” on Iran if it fails to reach a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz, Abdollahi added: “The gates of hell will be opened to you.”

A 28-year-old man has died in custody after being subjected to torture following his arrest by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz, rights groups reported.

Hossein Ghavi was arrested at his workplace, a tea stall, in March on accusations including filming bombed areas and contact with foreign media, US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) and rights group Karun reported on Saturday.

Ghavi was tortured during detention and later died in custody, according to the reports.

Agents affiliated with the IRGC's intelligence unit informed his family of his death by phone on Thursday but provided no details.

His body has not been returned to the family, the reports said.

The daughter of slain Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, said individuals arrested in the United States have no relation to her family, calling the US State Department’s claim false, Iranian state media reported citing a social media post by Zeinab Soleimani.

“The individuals arrested in the United States have no relation whatsoever to the family of Martyr Soleimani, and the claim by the US State Department is a lie,” Zeinab Soleimani wrote in a post.

“They have become so weak and helpless that, by fabricating lies against a great figure like Haj Qassem, they seek to divert global public opinion from their defeat against the Iranian nation,” she added.