The situation in the Persian Gulf is becoming more tense every day after the latest wave of arrests and espionage charges. Iranian authorities report over 500 arrests since the start of the conflict, while strict measures are being taken to track any suspicious movements inside and outside the country.
The most serious event was marked by the hanging of a Swedish citizen, who was accused of involvement in actions that, according to the prosecutor, support opponents of the regime, writes Corriere della Sera .
A large portion of the arrests were made in the Persian Gulf, where dozens of people, including tourists filming drones, were detained and accused of "collaborating with the enemy."
Babak, 42, a Persian resident of Dubai, speaks of the fear he lives with every day: "I'm worried about my mother and brothers in Iran, while here my neighbors look at me with suspicion and the government scrutinizes our assets. I never thought I would find myself in such a situation," he says.
Many Iranians living and working in Dubai feel isolated. Drones fly over the city, and every step can be monitored. Phone calls to Iran are impossible, and news of family members comes late or not at all. “I see every possible image, every report. The fear of retaliation is great – a regime in despair is capable of anything,” Babak adds.
