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They kill. Then negotiate.
By Ahmad Barakizadeh
This week marked the 100th day since the January 2026 protests, known as the Sun and Lion Revolution, began as an outcry over economic hardship. It quickly grew into a nationwide challenge to the Islamic Republic. The authorities responded with a brutal crackdown on unarmed protesters in the streets, alleyways, homes, and even hospitals. The violence peaked on January 8 and 9, 2026, leaving tens of thousands dead and scars that continue to define Iranian society.
The Islamic Republic’s diplomacy: all division, no delegation.
By Behnam Mohammadi
Deep divisions within Iran’s leadership prevented Tehran from dispatching a team to Islamabad for talks with the United States. Rival factions remain at odds over both policy and power. The infighting was reportedly evident in the last round of talks, when internal clashes within the Iranian camp became so heated that Pakistani mediators stepped in before the meeting was paused.
Welcome to the Kayhan Life Week in Review
This week, Kayhan Life’s coverage spotlighted life inside Iran, as well as renewed sanctions, a ceasefire, and diplomacy amid a widening clash over the Strait of Hormuz. It also threw the spotlight on Iranian talent and culture that still outlasts the state’s crises.
►We reported on life in Tehran, disturbed by invasive and menacing street displays, medicine shortages, and rising prices. Even where parks, cafés, and offices remained open, anger and dread of renewed repression lay beneath the surface.
EXCLUSIVE: Tehran Residents Describe Life Under Surveillance, Internet Blackout
Iranians Fear Sharpening Pressure After War And Crackdown
►Other reports described how the theocratic state was reinforcing repression with foreign Shia proxy personnel and continued executions.
Islamic Republic Steps Up Repression, Using Foreign Mercenaries
Iran Executes Man Over Burning Of Mosque During January Protests, Mizan Reports
►The Islamic Republic also tightened its grip on money and property beyond the borders of Iran.
EXCLUSIVE: Islamic Republic Cracks Down on Exchange Offices, Freezes Accounts
Islamic Republic Bans Expatriates’ Power of Attorney, Seizes Assets
►We also reported a different human story: one of refuge and hope.
Soccer-Iran’s Women Players Thank Australian Government For Protection
►Internationally, the week opened with diplomacy wrapped in distrust. Pakistan reported fighter escort for Iranian negotiators returning from talks underscored the insecurity surrounding even the mechanics of diplomacy.
EXCLUSIVE – Iran Negotiators, Citing Possible Israeli Attack, Got Pakistan Escort Home From Peace Talks
►European allies feared Washington might rush into a politically attractive but technically weak framework agreement with the Iranian regime, but President Trump insisted any new deal would surpass the 2015 accord.
ANALYSIS – Allies Fear a Rushed US–Iran Framework Deal Could Backfire, Leaving Technical Deadlock
Trump: New Deal With Iran Will Be Better Than Old One
►Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, reports initially suggested that passage would be possible only with coordination from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Then, as ceasefire disputes sharpened, they described the Islamic Republic tightening control of the strait. Shipping stalled, vessels came under fire, and Washington accused Tehran of violating the truce.
Ships Crossing Hormuz Need IRGC Ok, Unfreezing Of Assets Part Of Deal, Iran Official Says
Iran Tightens Control of Strait of Hormuz, Trump Warns Against ‘Blackmail’
Strait of Hormuz Blocked as Gaps Remain on Iran Peace Talks
Trump Accuses Iran of ‘Total Violation’ of Ceasefire, Threatens New Attacks Unless It Takes Deal
►The United States imposed new sanctions on suppliers that help the Iranian regime rebuild its missile stockpile. The regime seized ships in the strait even after Trump said attacks would be halted and the ceasefire extended indefinitely. After peace talks collapsed, Tehran dramatized its command of the waterway by broadcasting footage of commandos storming cargo vessels.
US Imposes New Sanctions Against Suppliers Of Weapons To Iran
Iran Seizes Ships in Strait After Trump Halts Attacks
Trump Declares Iran Ceasefire Extension With Peace Talks In Doubt
Iran Shows off Its Control over Strait After Collapse of Peace Talks
►The economic story became more complicated. Even under the U.S. blockade, the Iranian regime continued to move crude through the strait. Vortexa reported that 10.7 million barrels of Iranian oil passed through Hormuz after April 13, despite sharply lower traffic and U.S. claims that dozens of vessels had been turned back. The International Energy Agency called the combined effects of the petrol crisis and the gas crisis with Russia the biggest energy crisis in history.
War in Iran Is Causing Biggest Energy Crisis In History, IEA Says
Iran Continues Crude Exports Despite US Blockade, Vortexa Says
►The conflict continued to cast a shadow beyond the region, from North Korea’s missile signaling to UK investigations into possible Iran-linked arson attacks on Jewish targets in London.
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Again, Flexing Muscle amid Iran War
UK Police Examine Iran Links to Arson Attacks on Jewish Targets
►On the cultural side, Kayhan Life revisited the vanished world of Iran’s National Ballet Company, destroyed after 1979. We also profiled photographer Siavosh Ejlali, whose award-winning image honoring Iranian women won global recognition.
INTERVIEW: Remembering Iran’s National Ballet Company, Disbanded in 1979
INTERVIEW: Siavosh Ejlali, Winner of the Sony World Photography Award |
