THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 9:30 PM
Thursday Protests in Iran
For the sixth consecutive day, gold merchants across various cities in Iran continued their strike in protest against the economic downturn and what they perceive as exploitative policies of the regime, including burdensome taxation.
Cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Hamedan, Yazd, Arak, Tabriz, Ahvaz, and several others witnessed gold merchants abstaining from opening their shops, marking a unified stand against the prevailing economic challenges. The strike has gained momentum as retailers express their discontent with the economic hardships imposed upon them by the regime’s economic mishandling.
The gold merchants accuse the government of engaging in predatory economic practices, contributing to the recession and making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to thrive. Furthermore, they denounce what they describe as extortionate taxation policies that hinder their ability to sustain their businesses.
December 28—Ahvaz, southwest #Iran
Seventh day of strikes and protests by workers of Iran National Steel Industrial Group after authorities banned the entry of 21 workers and ignored their demands.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/GBVuIlwTxQ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 28, 2023
In a continuation of the ongoing unrest, workers from the Iran National Steel Industrial Group have entered the seventh day of strikes and protests. The demonstrations, which initially began as a response to the banning of 21 workers from entering the premises, have evolved into a broader movement as the authorities seemingly ignore the legitimate demands of the workers.
Protesters in Ahvaz, located in the southwest of Iran, are demanding the lifting of the ban on their colleagues and urging authorities to address their concerns, including labor conditions, wages, and workplace safety. The workers argue that their demands are justified and essential for their well-being and livelihoods.
Treasury Targets Network Financing Houthi Attacks on International Shipping
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated one individual and three entities responsible for facilitating the flow of Iranian financial assistance to Houthi forces and their destabilizing activities. Among those designated today is the head of the Currency Exchangers Association in Sana’a, and three exchange houses in Yemen and Türkiye. These persons have facilitated the transfer of millions of dollars to the Houthis at the direction of U.S.-designated Sa’id al-Jamal, who is affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF).
“Today’s action underscores our resolve to restrict the illicit flow of funds to the Houthis, who continue to conduct dangerous attacks on international shipping and risk further destabilizing the region,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The United States, along with our allies and partners, will continue to target the key facilitation networks that enable the destabilizing activities of the Houthis and their backers in Iran.”
UPDATE: 4:00 PM
U.S. Forces Destroy Swarm of Drones and Missiles Launched by Houthis
U.S. forces in the Middle East destroyed a swarm of drones and missiles fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels during an hours-long attack in the Red Sea on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command said.
Why it matters: A surge of Houthi attacks in recent weeks has disrupted international shipping and prompted the U.S. to step up its military presence in the region.
- The confrontation came just a little over a week after the U.S. expanded a multinational maritime security force to protect ships in the Red Sea from attacks launched by the Houthis.
- The Houthis say they are conducting the attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians. Prior to Tuesday’s attempted missile and drone strikes, the group had vowed to continue its attacks despite the expanded U.S.-led security force.
UPDATE: 11:30 AM
Chief Hossein Salami Backs Down on IRGC Spox Statements Concerning Oct 7 Attacks Avenged Soleimani’s Killing
Today, December 28, in a post on its Telegram channel, the state-run Tasnim News Agency, posted remarks from Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stating the October 7 attacks against Israel were initiated and executed by Palestinians. Salami stressed, “The Al-Aqsa Storm was Palestinian and still is.”
This assertion comes in contrast to earlier remarks by Ramezan Sharif, the spokesperson for the IRGC, who attributed the attacks to “retaliation for the assassination of the Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani by the United States and Israel.”
Trying to deny any involvement in the Gaza conflict, the IRGC Chief said, “The al-Aqsa Storm Operation was entirely Palestinian. Yesterday, it was stated by the spokesperson of the IRGC that al-Aqsa Storm is the revenge of Hajj Qasem. I say that revenge for Hajj Qasem is a separate operation.”
Continuing, Salami added, “He told me that my intention in expressing this phrase was to indicate that the natural result of part of al-Aqsa Storm was the revenge of Hajj Qasem, not its motivation.”
Biden Says US Air Strikes in Iraq Aimed To Deter Iran, Militants From Attacks
WASHINGTON, Dec 27 (Reuters) – The U.S. military’s air strikes on Monday in Iraq aimed to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting attacks on United States personnel and facilities, President Joe Biden said on Wednesday.
The U.S. military carried out retaliatory air strikes on Monday in Iraq after a drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants that left one U.S. service member in critical condition and wounded two other U.S. personnel.
“The strikes were intended to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities,” Biden said in a letter on Wednesday to the top leaders of the U.S. Congress. “The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks.”
UPDATE: 7:30 AM
How Tehran’s Warmongering Policies Will Backfire, According to Its Own Analysts
Last week, Iran’s regime carried out an attack against a ship in the Indian Ocean, after which a coalition was formed against its proxy forces in the Red Sea, sending a warning to the regime. This latest development has triggered fear and reactions from the regime. Meanwhile, the regime is trying to save face by maintaining a defiant pose. On December 23, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the regime’s foreign minister, said, “We have explicitly told the Americans that these groups and Yemen act based on their own assessments and interests, and we have never ordered them to take action.”
Of course, the regime’s fear and concern about the outcome of its warmongering policies contradict the actions and rhetoric of the commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and representatives of Iranian regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei in their Friday prayers, who have been making fiery speeches since the early days of the war in Gaza.
Executions in Iran: A Brutal Response to Popular Uprisings
In the Iranian month of Azar, which spans from November 22 to December 21, the grim reality of Iran’s human rights situation has reached a distressing milestone. For the second consecutive month, the number of criminal executions has surpassed 100, marking a deeply alarming trend. This surge in executions appears to be a harsh response from the authorities to the growing protests and uprisings within the Iranian populace, a method employed to instill fear and suppress dissent. Within the past 30 days alone, the execution machine orchestrated by the authorities led to the death of at least 102 individuals. The preceding month of Aban witnessed a similarly shocking figure of 106 recorded executions, underscoring a persistent and distressing pattern.
The Unyielding Spirit: Women’s Bravery in 2009 Protests in Iran
Between June and December 2009, Iranians participated in widespread uprisings and nationwide protests, fervently advocating for a profound overhaul of their nation’s governing structure. The 2009 protests in Iran were sparked by the manipulated results of the 10th round of presidential elections declared on June 12, 2009.
An integral aspect of the uprising was the substantial involvement of women at the forefront. International news agencies consistently highlighted the demonstrators’ admiration for the bravery and guidance demonstrated by women.
These spirited women led chants as they surged to the front of the crowd, courageously returning teargas canisters launched by regime agents at the protesters, and swiftly aiding in the evacuation and treatment of the wounded.
Protests Over Air Pollution in Iran’s Ardakan, Yazd Province
Hundreds of residents of Ardakan city in Yazd Province (central Iran) took to the streets on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 26 and 27, to protest against the air pollution in the city.
According to reports on social media, the protesters chanted slogans against the provincial authorities of Yazd, stating that the city cannot accommodate more industries.
US Concerned Over Iran’s Increased Uranium Enrichment Activities
Adrienne Watson, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council stated on Tuesday, December 26, that the United States is deeply concerned about the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran’s increased production of highly enriched uranium.
According to Reuters, Watson mentioned that the escalation of Iran’s nuclear tensions continues as Iran-backed proxy groups engage in dangerous and destabilizing activities in the region, including drone and rocket attacks in Iraq and Syria, as well as the ongoing attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels in the region, which is worrisome.
Shortly before that, the International Atomic Energy Agency had issued a warning about Iran’s renewed increase in the production of highly enriched uranium.
Simay-e-Azadi-INTV’s 28th National Assistance Program: Unveiling the Voices of Freedom; #FreeIranTelethon—January 12-14, 2024
Public Relations of Simay-e-Azadi – Iran National Television (INTV) announces the holding of the 28th National Assistance Program (Telethon) with Simay-e-Azadi on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, January 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2024, for fellow citizens and esteemed supporters.
Starting on January 12, the Iranian community will hold the 28th #FreeIranTelethon in support of IranNTV, the first Persian satellite television.
Support for Simay-e-Azadi-INTV is organized under circumstances where the religious fascism ruling Iran, through warmongering, a wave of executions, suppression, intimidation, and the dissemination of lies and demonization, seeks to block the uprising and democratic revolution of the Iranian people and stifle any voice advocating freedom.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – December 27, 2023