That posture was on display this week when Iran announced that three of its domestically designed satellites were launched into orbit aboard a Russian rocket. The launch was broadcast by Iran’s Arabic-language state television channel Al-Alam News Network, which aired footage showing the satellites lifting off from Russian territory.

Iran said it sent three satellites into orbit from Russia on Sunday, a move that may intensify tensions over Tehran’s broader actions.

The claims come amid a wave of protests across Iran, triggered by economic hardship and reported in cities nationwide, including Qom, World News, Times Now

Simon Migliano, who compiled the Top10VPN shutdown report, told me “Iran’s current nationwide blackout is a blunt instrument intended to crush dissent, starkly different from the sophisticated, slow-burn digital censorship we’re seeing in Russia.”

The report said that a Russian rocket sent the satellites to circle the Earth on a 500-kilometer (310-mile) orbit from the Vostochny launchpad in eastern Russia. The three satellites are dubbed Paya, Kowsar and Zafar-2.

The development deepens the confrontation over the tanker formerly known as the Bella 1, which the United States wants to seize but which Russia has sought to protect.

In this news bulletin, the focus is on the escalating tensions in Iran following a warning from the US President. The President has stated that the United States will 'hit hard' if the Iranian regime targets protesters,

President Trump's administration is pushing Venezuela's interim leader to partner with the US on oil production while reducing ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba.