Iran arrests reformist leaders as Khamenei calls for unity

Monday 09 February 2026 - 17:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Iran arrests reformist leaders as Khamenei calls for unity

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Iranians to show unity and resolve in a televised address on Monday, urging mass participation in rallies marking the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on February 11, as authorities moved to arrest several prominent reformist figures.

Khamenei said national strength depended more on determination and resistance than on military hardware such as missiles and aircraft. He described February 11 as a day to demonstrate Iran’s power and dignity, arguing that strong public participation would force foreign adversaries to abandon ambitions against Iran and its national interests. He said repeated displays of unity and resolve were necessary to discourage what he described as ongoing hostility and pressure from enemies.

The remarks came amid heightened tensions with the United States following indirect nuclear talks held in Muscat, Oman, on February 6. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions, mediated by Oman, as a good start focused on finding a framework for further negotiations, while warning that deep mistrust remained a serious challenge. The US delegation, which included special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as well as Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, met separately with Omani mediators near Muscat International Airport.

Tehran has insisted that any talks remain limited to its nuclear program, rejecting broader discussions on ballistic missiles or regional activities. Araghchi reiterated that Iran would not halt uranium enrichment or move its nuclear program abroad.

Khamenei’s appeal for unity coincided with the arrest of at least four well-known reformist political figures. According to Reuters and the newspaper Shargh, those detained include Azar Mansouri, secretary general of the Reformist Front, former diplomat Mohsen Aminzadeh, and former lawmaker Ebrahim Asgharzadeh. The judiciary-linked outlet Mizan described the detainees as political elements supporting Israel and the United States.

The arrests follow last month’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests that erupted in late December, described as the most violent unrest since the 1979 revolution. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 6,000 people were killed during the government response, while Tehran has acknowledged about 3,000 deaths. Authorities have blamed the violence on armed rioters and terrorists allegedly backed by Israel and the United States.

Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem noted that Khamenei did not directly address the talks with Washington in his speech, leaving uncertainty over Tehran’s next steps as the country prepares for the anniversary rallies later this week.