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UPDATE: 3:00 PM CEST
Iran Threat on the Global Stage: Resistance, Elections, and the Western Dilemma
Amidst the misplaced jubilation of some Western media and pro-appeasement think tanks over the ‘election’ of the so-called reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, a pivotal event unfolded simultaneously in two of Europe’s major capitals: Berlin and Paris. In Berlin, tens of thousands of Iranians convened at the behest of the principal opposition coalition, the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
The summit also featured remarks from notable figures, including Maryam Rajavi, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Prime Ministers of the UK, Canada, and Italy, Liz Truss, Stephen Harper, and Matteo Renzi, Gen. James Jones and John Bolton, Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Thom Tillis, and Ted Cruz, and Reps. Raul Ruiz and Nancy Mace, along with other prominent international politicians.
UPDATE: 8:00 AM CEST
Condolences on The Passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, A True Champion of Justice and Human Rights
With profound grief over the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a true champion of justice and human rights, and a courageous and unforgettable advocate, I extend my heartfelt condolences, along with those of the Iranian people and Resistance, especially the women of the Iranian Resistance, to the people of America, members of the U.S. Congress, her family, and all who cherish freedom.
The people of Iran have lost a passionate defender, and I have lost a close and compassionate friend who stood with the Iranian Resistance for several decades, even in the most challenging circumstances. She defended the Iranian Resistance against the clerical regime, the policy of appeasement, and unjust labels, defended PMOI members in Ashraf, and faced many adversaries with unwavering courage.
The Resilience of Iran’s Oil Workers in Fighting for Their Rights
The struggles of the oppressed and suffering workers in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries are a historical and symbolic representation of the Iranian people’s century-long struggle for freedom from oppression and exploitation. The Iranian working class movement has always learned great and historic lessons from their battles. For two centuries, Iran’s oil industry has been the main source of vast and unaccounted income for dictatorships. As a result, anti-worker regimes have been extremely vigilant and watchful over the mental and physical state, capabilities, organizations, assemblies, demands, and aspirations of this segment of Iran’s working class. They never miss an opportunity to suppress and contain the justice-seeking and equality-demanding actions of workers employed in this strategic industry.
Hunger Strike of a Prisoner in Protest Against Brutal Torture
According to an informed source, a female prisoner in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad started a hunger strike and sewed her lips shut on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in protest against the brutal torture inflicted upon her. This prisoner, referred to as “Mrs. N,” is a mother of four and was sentenced to prison after an unfair trial related to Golbahar Mehr Housing. She has now been in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad for nearly a year.
The prison authorities have deprived “Mrs. N” of her legal right to three days of leave per month. She wanted to see her children and being denied her rightful leave, began a hunger strike in protest.
Iran’s Housing Market Crisis: A Grim Outlook
Iranian regime media have reported on the chaotic state of the housing market, stating that even with the equivalent of 500 years of current salaries, it is still impossible to purchase a 75-square-meter apartment.
The financial news website ‘Eghtesad Online’ highlighted this issue in a recent report, noting, “The waiting period for owning a house has reached over 100 years, and no middle or lower-income consumer can realistically afford to buy housing.”
The report emphasizes that the cost of housing maintenance in Iran has also seen significant growth, leaving homeowners struggling to cover their expenses. Eghtesad Online further noted that the monthly installment for a 900 million toman loan amounts to 35 million tomans, a figure unaffordable for most people.
Iran’s Economic Crisis and Nuclear Ambitions: A Dual Threat to Stability
A member of Iran’s Board of Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce has highlighted the severe economic challenges the country faces, primarily due to a lack of foreign exchange resources. He criticized the government’s management of these resources, describing official statements as mere platitudes.
According to the ILNA news agency, Hossein Selahvarzi, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, reported significant disruptions in the supply of a wide range of imported goods. “We have reached a point where the raw materials and necessities needed by production units are not supplied,” Selahvarzi stated. While sanctions are a major cause, he accused the government, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, and the Central Bank of attempting to manage available resources illegally and devising mechanisms to minimize currency use within the country.
Predicted 7.5% Increase in Electricity Consumption in Iran
The spokesperson for Iran’s electricity industry says that due to the intensifying heat in Iran, the electricity consumption demand is expected to increase by “7.5 percent.” On Saturday, July 20, Mostafa Rajabi, noting that two “very hot” weeks lie ahead for Iranian citizens, told ILNA News Agency: “We predict that electricity consumption demand will break records set this year starting today.”
Rajabi stated that this level of consumption is “5,500 megawatts” higher than last year, which is “equivalent to the electricity consumption of the provinces of Khorasan and Sistan and Baluchestan.”
On Friday, Tehran’s electricity distribution company issued a notice asking the residents of Iran’s capital to “reduce electricity consumption by at least 10 percent, especially from 11 AM to 5 PM” in the coming week to prevent disruptions in the power network.
Iran, Russia, North Korea, and China, Strengthen Ties
The geopolitical landscape is witnessing a significant shift as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea forge closer ties, raising concerns among security and military analysts. According to Sky News on July,20,2024, Amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, these four nations are being dubbed the “new Axis powers.”
Iran and North Korea have actively supported Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. Initially, Iran supplied drones to Russia, but more recently, it has been sending missiles. However, the cooperation among these four states predates the Ukraine invasion. In 2019, Iran began staging annual trilateral naval exercises with Russia and China in the Arabian Sea, with the most recent exercise taking place in March.
Paris, July 20, 2024: MEK Supporters in Solidarity With the Iranian Revolution
Paris, France—July 20, 2024: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) organize a photo and book exhibition. This exhibition is held in solidarity with the Iranian Revolution and as a protest against the increasing wave of executions carried out by the Iranian regime. Alongside the photo exhibition, a book display featured publications that documented the history of the Iranian resistance movement and the efforts of the PMOI/MEK in advocating for a democratic and secular Iran. Attendees could engage with these resources, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Iranian people and the sacrifices made in pursuit of their fundamental rights.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – July 20, 2024
