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Could Narges Mohammadi unite Iran’s opposition? Husband says imprisoned Nobel laureate still fighting

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EXCLUSIVE: As Iran’s opposition struggles to find a unifying figure amid war, repression and near-total internet blackouts, the husband of jailed Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi says his wife remains physically battered but politically unbroken, even as she sits in prison after what he describes as a brutal arrest and beating.

“Narges is a human rights activist and an advocate for civil society,” her husband, Taghi Rahmani, told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview from Europe in exile. “In mobilizing society, and in organizing and shaping civil institutions, she is an active and courageous woman.”

At a moment when Iran’s ruling establishment is reeling from the aftermath of U.S. and Israeli strikes, a fragile ceasefire, economic collapse and intensified crackdowns, Mohammadi’s name is emerging in a new light: Not only as a global symbol of resistance, but potentially as one of the few opposition figures whose legitimacy comes from suffering inside the system rather than exile, dynasty or factional politics.

INSIDE TEHRAN AFTER STRIKES: IRANIAN WOMAN DESCRIBES FEAR, CHECKPOINTS AND PEOPLE USED AS ‘HUMAN SHIELDS’

Mohammadi, awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize while imprisoned, has spent decades as one of Iran’s most prominent women’s rights and human rights activists. 

Trained as an engineer and later a journalist, she served as vice president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, founded by fellow Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi and became internationally known for campaigning against compulsory hijab laws, solitary confinement, prisoner abuse and the death penalty.

Now, according to her husband, her condition has worsened dramatically.

“Narges is currently detained in Zanjan prison,” he said. “She was arrested in Mashhad during the month of Dey (around January) and was severely beaten. During her arrest, she received numerous blows, resulting in severe injuries to her chest, head, body and lungs.”

Rahmani said prison medical authorities determined she should be transferred for treatment under her own physician’s supervision in Iran, but that Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence is refusing the transfer and insisting she remain in Zanjan.

“Spiritually and mentally, Narges remains steadfast,” he said. “She believes the Islamic Republic is not desirable for the Iranian people, and advocates for a system based on freedom, human rights and open relations with the world. Physically, however, she has sustained severe trauma and urgently requires medical attention.”

Rahmani said the last time he spoke with his wife was the night before she left for Mashhad, Iran, where she was later arrested.

His account offers a rare inside look into the life of one of Iran’s most internationally recognized dissidents at a moment when questions over who could realistically lead opposition to the regime are intensifying.

“We hear a great deal about the Iranian opposition, yet media in the free world often lack a precise definition and a full understanding of what the Iranian opposition actually is,” Iranian anti-regime activist Maryam Shariatmadari told Fox News Digital.

Shariatmadari, one of the most recognizable faces of Iran’s “Girls of Revolution Street” movement, a wave of anti-regime protests that began in 2017 when Iranian women publicly removed their hijabs and stood in defiance of the country’s mandatory veiling laws, was sentenced to prison in 2018 after publicly removing her hijab in protest.

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According to Shariatmadari, one camp consists of Iranians who view the 1979 Islamic Revolution itself as the foundational national disaster, believing Iran’s trajectory was derailed when the Shah fell. The second includes former revolutionaries, reformists, communist factions and groups such as the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), many of whom emerged from or once supported the revolutionary system before later opposing it. 

“The first group considers the 1979 revolution a disaster and seeks a return to Iran’s previous path,” she said, while the second includes “those who participated in the revolution but later became opposition figures after being excluded from power.”

That distinction, she argues, helps explain why Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, remains uniquely recognizable among many anti-regime Iranians despite spending decades outside the country.

Lisa Daftari, foreign policy analyst and editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk news platform, told Fox News Digital, Inside Iran, Pahlavi remains one of the only opposition figures with broad name recognition, and his message clearly resonated during the January protests, which is why his name still carries weight for many Iranians both inside the country and in the diaspora.”

Pahlavi himself sharpened that message Friday after a series of European appearances, accusing both European politicians and journalists of ignoring the scale of Iranian suffering.

“I spent the past several weeks traveling across Europe, speaking to members of parliaments, governments, and the press,” Pahlavi said in a video statement on his official X account. “My visit had one objective: to give a voice to the millions of Iranians held hostage by the Islamic Republic … But I can now say with confidence that silencing, that censorship is not just happening at the hands of the regime in Iran, but by the international and particularly the European media.”

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He went on to condemn what he described as European indifference to the mass killing of protesters and political executions, saying that across two press conferences in Stockholm and Berlin attended by more than 150 journalists, “not a single one” asked about the tens of thousands he says were killed during January’s crackdown or the political prisoners facing execution.

“Whether or not Europe stands with us … I will fight for my people and my country,” Pahlavi said. “We will fight until Iran is free.”

Still, even some supporters acknowledge why the administration has hesitated to openly embrace him as a transitional figure.

Daftari warned that overt Western backing could backfire by making him appear externally imposed rather than domestically legitimized.

“The Trump administration’s decision not to more openly embrace him as a transitional figure likely reflects several factors: a deep wariness of making regime change the explicit end goal or appearing to engineer it after Iraq and Afghanistan, concern that overt U.S. backing could put an even bigger target on his back and a strategy that is currently focused less on anointing a successor and more on degrading the regime’s capacity to threaten its own people, the region and the United States,” she said.

If Pahlavi represents dynastic memory and explicit regime-change politics, Mohammadi represents something profoundly different.

AS AIRSTRIKES RAIN DOWN ON THE IRANIAN REGIME, CAN A FRACTURED OPPOSITION UNITE TO LEAD IF IT FALLS?

Mohammadi’s place within that landscape is distinct due to her unique kind of legitimacy at a time when many Iranians are searching not only for opposition to the regime, but for a figure who embodies endurance under it.

For now, however, Rahmani warns that Iran’s domestic conditions may make any mass uprising extraordinarily difficult

“As you know, war serves as an excuse to suppress domestic forces within a country,” he said. “This war has now increased the intensity of the regime’s actions against the opposition.”

He argued that despite internal divisions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has effectively consolidated power, militarized the streets and severely weakened civil society.

“The Islamic Republic has practically taken control of the streets during wartime and has severely weakened Iran’s civil society, which is the guarantor of democracy. In our opinion, this war, under these conditions, is not to the benefit of Iran, nor to the benefit of the Iranian people.”

That may be the defining challenge for Iran’s opposition today: not simply finding a leader, but surviving long enough under extraordinary repression for one to emerge.

Whether Mohammadi can become that figure remains uncertain. But from prison, her husband says, she has not stopped believing Iran’s future can be different.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

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Trump Humiliates Top UK Leader At G7 With Chilling Move

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Trump Humiliates Top UK Leader At G7 With Chilling Move

President Donald Trump arrived at the G7 summit this week once again demonstrating why world leaders continue to look to Washington for leadership on the most pressing international issues.

While European leaders initially planned to focus discussions on Ukraine, trade, migration, and economic concerns, attention quickly shifted to Trump’s newly announced framework agreement with Iran—a diplomatic breakthrough that could reshape stability in the Middle East and strengthen global energy markets.

The president confirmed that both he and Vice President JD Vance electronically signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran on Sunday. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf signed on behalf of Tehran.

Administration officials emphasized that the agreement represents only the first stage of a broader negotiation process designed to permanently address concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions while protecting American and allied interests.

“We’ll be releasing the text this week,” Vance said during a television interview on Monday.

“What everybody will see is that Iran doesn’t get a dime of money unless they perform their obligations.”

The vice president’s comments directly challenged media reports suggesting the agreement included hundreds of billions of dollars in reconstruction funding for Iran.

Instead, administration officials stressed that any future economic benefits would be entirely contingent on Iran fulfilling strict requirements established by the United States and its allies.

Vance dismissed reports of massive direct payments as misinformation and explained that any economic relief would primarily come through sanctions adjustments tied to verified compliance.

According to officials, Iran would be required to permanently abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions, eliminate enriched nuclear material stockpiles, and submit to extensive international inspections before receiving any meaningful economic benefits.

“So long as they honor their end of the obligation,” Vance explained, Gulf nations could potentially participate in reconstruction efforts only after Iran demonstrates full compliance with the agreement.

The framework marks a significant departure from years of escalating tensions that repeatedly threatened to destabilize the region and disrupt global energy supplies.

Administration officials also announced that the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most strategically important shipping routes in the world—is expected to fully reopen following the formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Geneva.

The recent disruptions in the waterway have contributed to uncertainty in global energy markets and increased economic pressure on nations around the world.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the importance of restoring normal operations in the strait.

“The strait being closed has had an impact on our economy and an impact on every household across the country,” Starmer said.

The British leader suggested that the United Kingdom could potentially assist with demining operations if necessary.

The summit also served as another reminder of America’s dominant role on the world stage under Trump’s leadership. While European leaders sought greater involvement in ongoing negotiations surrounding both Iran and Ukraine, much of the summit’s focus remained squarely on Trump’s diplomatic initiatives and high-profile meetings.

One particularly revealing moment occurred when Starmer appeared to be caught on a hot microphone asking whether Trump was holding another meeting elsewhere after the president met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The incident sparked speculation in British media that Starmer had been sidelined during portions of the summit as world leaders sought opportunities to engage directly with the American president.

Starmer dismissed suggestions that he had been snubbed.

“We had very productive, very good conversations,” Starmer said.

Nevertheless, observers noted that the summit’s most significant developments centered on Trump’s diplomatic efforts rather than the priorities advanced by many European leaders.

The president also met separately with Zelensky as he continues advocating for a negotiated resolution to the war between Russia and Ukraine, a position that has increasingly gained attention among leaders seeking an end to the prolonged conflict.

Meanwhile, administration officials released additional details regarding the Iran framework agreement.

The United States will maintain its current military posture throughout a 60-day negotiation period while talks continue. Officials repeatedly emphasized that any economic concessions will remain tied to verified Iranian compliance and that enforcement mechanisms will remain firmly in place.

The administration’s approach reflects Trump’s longstanding strategy of combining diplomacy with strength—pursuing peace agreements while ensuring America retains leverage throughout the negotiation process.

As negotiations move forward, the agreement is being viewed by many observers as a significant diplomatic achievement that could reduce tensions in the Middle East, strengthen global economic stability, and further underscore America’s leadership role on the international stage.

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FBI Raids George Soros — Major Plot Narrowly Thwarted

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FBI Raids George Soros — Major Plot Narrowly Thwarted

Federal investigators executed a major raid Thursday on a Soros-funded voter mobilization organization in Ohio as part of an ongoing fraud investigation, marking the latest effort by the Trump administration to crack down on alleged election-related misconduct.

According to reports from MS Now, FBI agents raided the headquarters of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC) on June 11 and conducted interviews with individuals connected to the organization across the state. Some of those contacted reportedly received subpoenas or were asked to surrender electronic devices.

Sources familiar with the matter later told CBS News that the law enforcement activity was connected to a fraud-related investigation.

The operation represents another significant step in President Donald Trump’s broader push to investigate allegations of voter fraud and election integrity violations. Conservatives have long argued that such cases were not aggressively pursued by previous administrations and have welcomed increased federal scrutiny of organizations involved in voter registration and mobilization efforts.

The Ohio Organizing Collaborative is a nonprofit organization that works closely with Democratic Party-aligned causes in Ohio, focusing on voter registration, turnout efforts, and ballot initiatives. The group has received substantial financial support from major liberal donor networks, including organizations tied to billionaire George Soros.

While federal authorities have remained tight-lipped about the details of the investigation, the Department of Justice emphasized that the search warrants were approved through the normal judicial process.

“Search warrants are authorized by a judge, and anything said by any organization or others in the media is unfounded speculation, as the target of any investigation is not privy to the search warrant affidavit until after indictment,” a DOJ official told Fox News.

Financial disclosures show OOC has become a major force in Ohio politics. The organization reported more than $10 million in revenue during 2024 and has spent heavily on ballot initiatives and political campaigns.

Last year alone, OOC spent $250,000 opposing a Republican-backed effort related to abortion policy in Ohio and another $300,000 fighting a GOP redistricting initiative.

The group’s financial backing comes from a network of prominent Democratic-aligned organizations, including the Soros family’s philanthropic entities, the New Venture Fund, the Tides Foundation, and major labor unions such as the American Federation of Teachers and the Service Employees International Union.

Records show the Soros family’s Foundation to Promote Open Society provided approximately $1.9 million to OOC between 2019 and 2020. In addition, the Open Society Action Fund contributed $1 million to OOC’s affiliated organization in 2021 and another $1 million in 2023.

OOC leaders have sharply criticized the investigation, accusing the Trump administration of using federal law enforcement to target political opponents.

The organization has faced controversy before. In 2017, a paid canvasser associated with OOC pleaded guilty for his role in a fraudulent voter registration scheme, a case that continues to draw attention amid the current federal investigation.

OOC board member Prentiss Haney questioned the timing of the operation.

“How can they distract and intimidate civil rights leaders and voters and community leaders who are helping people get registered to vote, and create a national spectacle about it?” Haney told MS Now.

“That is the only reason why they would choose to do that, do it now, in the middle of a contested political election in the state. There’s no other reason. They have no evidence of that,” Haney added.

The investigation also comes after President Trump publicly criticized George Soros and his son, Alexander Soros, earlier this year.

“George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“We’re not going to allow these lunatics to rip apart America any more, never giving it so much as a chance to ‘BREATHE,’ and be FREE. Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we’re watching you! Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump added.

As federal investigators continue their work, the raid is likely to intensify the national debate over election integrity, political activism, and the role of powerful donor-funded organizations in American elections.

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Bone-Chilling Details Emerge From White House Terror Plot

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Bone-Chilling Details Emerge From White House Terror Plot

Federal authorities say they foiled a chilling terror plot targeting Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn, preventing what investigators believe could have been one of the most devastating attacks on the nation’s capital in recent memory.

According to officials, five suspects are already in custody after the FBI uncovered a multi-phase attack plan that allegedly included explosive-laden drones, sniper teams, and an attempted assault on the White House itself.

The plot was reportedly aimed at the historic UFC event attended by President Donald Trump and thousands of supporters. Authorities say the attackers intended to use drones carrying explosives to strike buildings near the venue, creating chaos among attendees and forcing panicked crowds into predetermined kill zones where snipers would allegedly open fire.

Investigators say the operation did not stop there. Officials revealed that a “second wave” of attackers allegedly planned to exploit the confusion and attempt to breach the White House gates.

FBI Director Kash Patel credited law enforcement agencies for stopping the threat before it could be carried out.

The scheme was “stopped cold” on June 10 after investigators executed a search warrant in Cincinnati, where the first arrest was made.

Federal court documents identify California resident Michael Alan Thomas as one of the alleged organizers behind the operation.

According to an arrest affidavit, Thomas told investigators he believed the federal government is controlled by elites who sacrifice and eat children, had ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and are protected by President Trump.

Authorities say some members of the group traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or June 13 to conduct preparations for the planned attack.

The investigation uncovered extensive communications among the suspects. After examining an iPhone linked to one of the individuals, federal agents reportedly discovered at least 23 users participating in discussions on the encrypted messaging application Signal.

Investigators say those conversations included detailed planning for what could have become a catastrophic attack. Screenshots recovered by federal agents allegedly show maps of the UFC event being circulated among participants, along with discussions regarding potential sniper positions.

Law enforcement officials also recovered rifles and ammunition during the investigation.

According to the affidavit, one suspect told investigators that the goal of the operation was to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires” and politicians who had received support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC.

Sources familiar with the investigation told Fox News correspondent David Spunt that all five suspects currently in custody are American citizens. At this time, authorities say they have found no evidence suggesting any foreign involvement in the alleged plot.

Following the arrests, Patel praised the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team — we are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens — particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight,” Patel later wrote on X.

The UFC Freedom 250 event marked a major celebration coinciding with President Trump’s 80th birthday and drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including 1,200 active-duty military service members.

Officials estimate another 80,000 to 85,000 fans attended a ticketed watch party on the Ellipse south of the White House, while thousands more gathered on the National Mall to watch the event on giant screens.

The successful disruption of the alleged attack underscores the significant security challenges surrounding high-profile public events and highlights what officials describe as the vigilance of law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting both President Trump and the tens of thousands of Americans who attended the historic celebration.

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