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Erfan Soltani was arrested on January 8, 2026, in the city of Fardis, just west of Tehran, as protests swept across the country, prompting a deadly crackdown by Iranian authorities.
The US last struck Iranian nuclear facilities in June last year, targeting Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Officials described the operation, called “Midnight Hammer,” as a setback to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The protests, which began on 28 December over the economy, have turned into calls for the end of the rule of Iran's supreme leader.
The White House has not clarified which imports will be most affected or how the tariffs will be enforced. Iran’s top trade partners include China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India, making the new measure potentially wide-reaching.
The US has threatened to strike Iran over the killing of protesters, and President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US "stands ready to help" as Iran "is looking at FREEDOM".
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, videos posted on social media showed cars set on fire during running battles between protesters and security forces.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that if there is not enough rainfall soon, Tehran's water supply could be rationed. But he said that even rationing might not be enough to prevent a disaster.
The announcement comes just days after a ceasefire brought a temporary halt to the intense cross-border hostilities.
Speaking from the White House in a nationally televised address, Trump confirmed that the strikes had "completely obliterated" key Iranian nuclear facilities and warned Tehran against further escalation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 21, the department urged all Kenyans living in the two Middle Eastern nations to register for evacuation.
The embassy also noted that it is actively monitoring the security situation in Iran and remains committed to the safety of Somali citizens residing there.
The strikes came at a tense moment, with former US President Donald Trump reportedly considering direct involvement in Israel’s campaign against Iran.