The reformist Iranian politicians Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, who have been under house arrest for seven years, will soon be released, a family member has said.
Mr Mousavi and Mr Karroubi disputed the results of a presidential election in which hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected in 2009. They were later detained without trial for leading mass protests after the disputed polls. Dozens of people were killed in a crackdown by the regime's security forces.
The two men are regarded as symbols of democracy by Iran's reformist movement, which was neutered during Mr Ahmadinejad's presidency, and both are said to have been in poor health in the past year.
Their case for freedom has been approved by the country’s top security organisation, according to Mr Karroubi's son.
"I have heard that the decision to lift the house arrest was approved by the Supreme National Security Council," said Hossein Karroubi, according to the Kalameh news website, a reformist outlet which has close ties to families of the pair.
The SNSC is chaired by President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate elected in 2013 following Mr Ahmadinejad's two presidential terms in office.
However, the reported decision to free Mr Mousavi and Mr Karroubi, now aged 76 and 80 respectively, could still be vetoed in the next 10 days by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a dogged critic of their conduct after the disputed election nine years ago.
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"This decision will be presented to the leader so that this case can be concluded," Mr Karroubi's son said.
There was no official announcement regarding the decision.
Reports of the council’s decision come at a time when Iran’s leaders are keen to unite the country's conservative and reformist factions to face down increased pressure from the US and a worsening economic crisis.
On Sunday, Iran’s currency hit a record low of 100,000 rials to the dollar amid the imminent return of full United States sanctions, to be reimposed in two stages on August 6 and November 4.
The currency's weakness has been worsened by US President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal in May from the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran agreed with world powers.
That accord, reached during the presidency of Barack Obama, had lifted nuclear related sanctions previously imposed against Iran, in exchange for curbs to Tehran's atomic programme.
Mr Mousavi and Mr Karroubi, stood against Mr Ahmadinejad in the 2009 election.
They claimed the vote was rigged, triggering months of mass protests, particularly in Tehran. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in the biggest challenge to the system since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
The pair were placed under house arrest without trial in February 2011, along with Mr Mousavi's high-profile wife, 66-year-old Zahra Rahnavard.
Mr Karroubi's son said the SNSC, Iran's top security committee, which contains officials from the armed forces and top echelons of government, had also agreed to lift restrictions on reformist figurehead Mohammad Khatami, who was the Iranian president from 1997 to 2005.
Now aged 74, Mr Khatami in August last year urged Iran's supreme leader to end the house arrest of opposition leaders.
"By citing your issues and your requests and in your name, I would like to ask the supreme leader to issue an order to solve the issue of the house arrests," he said at the time.
That statement was the first time a high-ranking figure had publicly asked Mr Khamenei to intervene on the issue of house arrests.
Iranian media are banned from showing Mr Khatami's face and strict limits were placed on his movements, yet he is regarded as an opposition leader in his own right and has publicly backed the incumbent president.
Mr Rouhani has repeatedly vowed to seek the release of Mr Mousavi and Mr Karroubi and the call was part of his election campaign in 2013 and re-election last year, with their names frequently chanted at his rallies.
Last year, Mr Karroubi ended a hunger strike, during which he was hospitalised for high blood pressure, after the government reportedly agreed to remove intelligence agents from his home.
The men’s ailing health has raised pressure on Mr Rouhani to push harder for their release.
But despite Mr Rouhani chairing the SNSC there has been no official signal of progress toward their release.
Sting & Shaggy
44/876
(Interscope)
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
RESULTS: 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING - EUROPE
Albania 0 Italy 1
Finland 2 Turkey 2
Macedonia 4 Liechtenstein
Iceland 2 Kosovo 0
Israel 0 Spain 1
Moldova 0 Austria 1
Serbia 1 Georgia 0
Ukraine 0 Croatia 2
Wales 0 Ireland 1
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The specs
Common to all models unless otherwise stated
Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi
0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)
Power: 276hp
Torque: 392Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD
Price: TBC
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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The Gandhi Murder
- 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
- 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
- 7 - million dollars, the film's budget
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)