Iranians Abroad Say Their Relatives Are Being Detained Back Home

04/04/2026

Iranians Abroad Say Their Relatives Are Being Detained Back Home

TEHRAN (AP), Apr 4: The government of Iran is detaining family members and threatening to seize property belonging to Iranian opposition figures living in exile, according to accounts shared with The Associated Press, marking an escalation in pressure on dissenting voices as the ongoing conflict continues.

Activists abroad say the measures are part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting critics outside the country. They play a key role in documenting internal developments, particularly amid disruptions caused by an internet shutdown imposed earlier this year during widespread anti-government protests.

Rights monitors have previously reported that security forces used lethal force during those demonstrations, which erupted against Iran’s ruling system.

The renewed pressure comes as the war involving United States and Israel intensifies, with authorities reportedly increasing threats against individuals accused of speaking to foreign media or engaging with overseas activist networks. Analysts say the tactics now appear to be extending beyond domestic borders to intimidate opposition figures in exile.