The Farda Briefing

Welcome back to The Farda Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran and explains why they matter.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Kian Sharifi. In this edition, I'm looking at the back-and-forth between Iran's president and Israel's prime minister after the latter said he would help Iran with its water problems only after the Islamic republic collapses.

What You Need To Know

• Iran, Israel Trade Jabs Over Water Shortages: Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian's dire warning this week about the scale of the water crisis facing the country led to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu releasing a video telling Iranians that Israel is "happy" to help -- as soon as the Islamic republic is toppled. Pezeshkian, however, responded by accusing the Israeli prime minister of hypocrisy, given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

• Rights Watchdog Accuses Israel Of 'Apparent War Crime': Human Rights Watch (HRW) this week said Israeli air strikes on Tehran's Evin prison on June 23 were "unlawfully indiscriminate" and an "apparent war crime." The attacks hit multiple buildings, killing at least 80 people -- prisoners, visitors, and staff -- according to Iranian officials. HRW said there was no evident military target. The strikes occurred during a 12-day conflict between June 13-24, during which HRW documented violations of the laws of war by both Israeli and Iranian forces. The rights group called for full investigations and accountability for those responsible for any possible war crimes.

• President Says Rebuilding Without Diplomacy Futile: This week, Pezeshkian warned that without diplomacy with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program, the country risks further conflict. He criticized opponents of talks, warning the United States could strike rebuilt nuclear facilities. Days later, lawmaker and former Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said parliament may press for Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if the so-called E3 countries of Britain, France, and Germany reinstate UN sanctions. Those countries have threatened such action if no diplomatic breakthrough with Washington is reached by the end of August.

The Big Issue

Helping A 'Free' Iran

Amid soaring temperatures, power blackouts, and widespread water rationing, Pezeshkian painted a grim picture of the nation's water woes. He warned that "there won't be any water in the dams by September or October."

Pezeshkian described the situation as "a serious and unimaginable crisis," pointing to depleted reservoirs and underground sources.

Then, Netanyahu seized on Pezeshkian's remarks with a direct video message to the Iranian people. Framing Iran's "thirst for water" as akin to its "thirst for freedom," the Israeli premier positioned his country as a potential savior, leveraging its expertise in water recycling and desalination.

"Once you are free from the tyrannical regime that oppresses you, we in Israel will be happy to help the people of Iran solve the water problem, among other things, and bring back water to your lives," he said, mirroring comments he made in a video back in June 2018.

But Pezeshkian fired back, saying in a cabinet meeting and then on social media that Netanyahu was only promising a "mirage."

" A regime that deprives people of Gaza from water and food says it will bring water to Iran? A MIRAGE, NOTHING MORE," he said.

Over 100 organizations, including Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), signed a letter this week urging Israel to end the "weaponization of aid" in Gaza, warning that starvation is worsening. They say they are increasingly blocked from delivering aid unless they meet new Israeli rules.

Why It Matters: Iran is grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by years of drought, decades of mismanagement, and climate change. Tehran risks running out of water in weeks, according to Iranian officials, with reservoirs like Karaj Dam at just 6 percent capacity. Nationwide, provinces face shortages, power outages, and rationing. This has led to office closures and calls for conservation.

Israel's official reasoning for launching an aerial campaign against Iran in June was that Tehran's nuclear program posed a threat to its existence. But the rhetoric from Netanyahu and other Israeli officials suggested that regime change was at least an aspirational aim.

What's Being Said: Pezeshkian has found himself in hot water with hardliners, who accuse him of aiding Netanyahu's rhetorical attacks on Iran with his comments about the water crisis.

"What should we do when our president has become the 12^th player of the opposing team and passes the ball to the enemy?" Hamid Rasaee, a hard-line lawmaker, wrote on X, using a soccer analogy. "He's not a traitor, but he is ignorant of the position he holds."

Conservative pundit Ali Mousavi slammed Pezeshkian for his "thoughtless" comments, which he said "provided a platform for Israeli psychological operations and propaganda."

Pezeshkian has defended himself, writing on X that "solving a problem begins with acknowledgment, not denial."

The president's supporters, meanwhile, have praised him for being "honest" with the public about the extent of Iran's water crisis.

Expert Opinion: Damon Golriz, a lecturer at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that it is "hard to believe" Netanyahu's "call to rise up and help with freedom" as Israelis had the chance to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the June war but did not.

"Experience shows that messages like this are broadcast on the verge of military action by Israel to weaken the morale of rulers," Golriz said. "Both sides understand the temporary cessation of hostilities -- the June cease-fire -- is extremely fragile."

That's all from me for now.

Until next time,

Kian Sharifi

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday.

Welcome back to the Farda Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran and explains why they matter.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Kian Sharifi. In this edition, I’m delving into why Iranian authorities are cutting off mobile service to citizens who post critical content online, and what they’re demanding to restore access.

What You Need To Know

• Iran Requires Praise Online To Regain SIM Access: The Islamic republic is cutting off cell service for Iranians who criticize the state online. To get reconnected, some have been told to post messages supporting the political establishment, RFE/RL’s Radio Farda has learned.

• Controversial 'Fake News' Bill Withdrawn: The Iranian government has withdrawn a controversial “fake news” bill following a strong backlash over its threat to free speech. Critics dubbed it the “bill of suffocation,” warning that vague terms like “disturbing public opinion” could justify harsh crackdowns on dissent and journalism. The bill, co-drafted by the government and judiciary, had been fast-tracked in parliament and proposed prison terms of up to 15 years for spreading false information, penalties harsher than those for some serious crimes.

• Iranian Shipping Network Hit With Major US Sanctions: The US Treasury this week sanctioned over 50 individuals and entities. It also identified more than 50 ships tied to a vast shipping network run by Hossein Shamkhani, a son of senior Iranian official Ali Shamkhani. The United Stated accuses the younger Shamkhani of exploiting his father's political clout to build a massive fleet of tankers and cargo ships, moving oil and goods from Iran, Russia, and beyond, earning billions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the move, calling it a “crime against humanity” and a violation of international law.

The Big Issue

Speak Out, Lose Service

Over the past year, and with renewed intensity this summer, Iranian authorities have ramped up a quiet but powerful method of pressuring citizens: blocking their SIM cards if they criticize the government on social media.

The targets? Not just journalists and activists, but academics and everyday users too. The pattern is clear: post something critical on platforms like Instagram or X, and you could suddenly lose mobile service. That means no calls, no texts, and in some cases, no access to banking or even ride-hailing apps.

To get reconnected, users say they’re required to delete the offending content, sign pledges to avoid future criticism, and in some cases, publish pro-Islamic republic posts.

Why It Matters: Legal experts say this tactic is both illegal under Iranian law and a clear violation of international norms. Some see this as an extension of the post-2022 crackdown on dissent and a warning to anyone who dares speak up.

The implications go far beyond speech. Losing your SIM card in Iran means being cut off from basic digital infrastructure -- a powerful form of pressure in a country where censorship already runs deep.

It’s no surprise Iran ranks near the bottom in global freedom indices. In its latest report, Freedom House cited vague laws, harsh penalties, and online surveillance as key reasons Iranians are increasingly afraid to speak openly, even in private.

What's Being Said: Take the case of Ali Akbar Gorji, a law professor at Tehran’s Shahid Beheshti University. His SIM card was shut off after he commented on Iran’s tensions with Israel. He told the Shargh newspaper that officials demanded the removal of his posts, but Radio Farda has learned that he was also told to post 20 times in support of the state.

Others shared similar stories with Radio Farda. One academic had to erase posts dating back to the 2022 "Women, Life, Freedom" protests. A user named Foad Ahmadi said authorities claimed he supported Israel, and as a result, not only lost mobile service, but also access to his bank account and everyday apps.

Expert Opinion: “Actions like blocking SIM cards or user accounts without filing a case or issuing a court ruling are clear violations of basic legal principles, including the separation of powers, the principle of legality, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial,” Mohammad Hadi Jafarpour, a lawyer, wrote.

That's all from me for now.

Until next time,

Kian Sharifi

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday.