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UPDATE: 8:30 PM CET
Saturday Protests in Iran
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, employees of the telecommunications company staged protests in several cities across Iran. The protesters, both permanent and contract-based employees from the Telecommunications Company, participated in protests in the provinces of Tehran, Gilan, Fars, Kohgiluyeh, and Buyer-Ahmad provinces, as well as in the counties of Saqqez in Kurdistan province. They protested against the authorities’ refusal to pay their wages, inadequate salaries, and unfavorable working conditions.
October 7—#Iran
Employees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) hold protest rallies in different cities.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/lxh6JEICDz— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) October 7, 2023
E3 Will Maintain Atomic and Missile Sanctions on the Iranian Regime, Borrell Says
Joseph Borrell, European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, announced in a statement on Friday, October 6, that three countries, namely the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, do not intend to lift the sanctions against the Iranian regime, which were set to expire on October 18.
Joseph Borrell emphasized that other countries involved in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, were unable to resolve their differences regarding the position of these three European countries.
Borrell stated in the release that on October 6, he received a letter from the foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, informing him of an issue regarding the implementation of Iran’s commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Borrell stated, “The Foreign Ministers stated that Iran has been in non-compliance since 2019 and considered that this has not been resolved through the JCPoA’s Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM). They expressed their intention not to take the steps regarding the lifting of further sanctions on JCPoA Transition Day on 18 October 2023.
Subsequently, as Coordinator, I consulted all JCPoA participants on the way ahead. Following these consultations, I note that as of today, the issue remains unresolved given the diverging views expressed. At the same time, participants reiterated their determination to find a diplomatic solution in the framework of the JCPOA.
I remain fully committed to continuing all possible efforts towards the resumption of the full implementation of the JCPoA, a matter that was also discussed in the consultations.”
Sens. Rick Scott, Ted Cruz & Roger Wicker Demand Accountability from Department of Defense after Revelations of Iranian Spy Ring
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee along with their Senate Republican colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin calling for immediate action after reports revealed that top Biden administration officials had been operatives in, and were linked to, an Iranian spy ring. The letter specifically calls for revoking the security clearance of Ariane Tabatabai, the Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (SOLIC), who was engaged in an Iranian regime-linked operation.
The senators wrote, “Iran continues to threaten U.S. military personnel in the Middle East and remains intent on assassinating American citizens here in the United States. Given these facts, we find it simply unconscionable that a senior Department official would continue to hold a sensitive position despite her alleged participation in an Iranian government information operation.
Former American VP Mike Pense: Next US President Must Tell Iranian People We Are With You
In a recent address at Georgetown University, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence denounced the Iranian regime as a key backer of global terrorism.
Mr. Pence criticized the Biden administration’s approach, highlighting their 2.5-year-long attempt to re-engage with the regime openly and privately. Pence emphasized the importance of a robust stance against Iran, asserting that the regime not only sponsors terrorism in the region but also on a global scale. He stressed the necessity for the next U.S. President to adopt a policy of isolating Iran.
The former US Vice President urged Washington to send a resounding message of support to the people of Iran, especially the younger population under 40, expressing solidarity with their aspirations for freedom. Mr. Pence underscored the importance of acknowledging and backing the courageous women in Iran who have faced harassment, abuse, and imprisonment.
Pence unequivocally stated that while the US supports the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom, they will not tolerate the regime’s malevolent influence and vehemently oppose their pursuit of nuclear weapons.
UPDATE: 7:30 AM CET
Unpacking the Hatred of “Iran Experts” Toward the PMOI
The Iranian regime’s efforts to demonize and wage psychological warfare against the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) are well-known. However, what has caused alarm and concern is the exposure of a network of so-called policy experts with clear ties to the mullahs’ regime, who have managed to infiltrate government and decision-making circles in the United States and Germany. The main members of this network in the United States are Ariane Tabatabai, who holds a position at the U.S. Department of Defense, Dina Esfandiari, an advisor to the International Crisis Group think tank, and Ali Vaez, another ICG staff and a close confidant of Robert Malley, the currently suspended Iran envoy of U.S. President Joe Biden.
Welcoming the Awarding of the Peace Prize to the Political Prisoner Narges Mohammadi and Calling for Action for Her Release
The NCRI Women’s Committee welcomes the Nobel Committee’s attention to the struggle of Iranian women for freedom and equality against the religious and misogynistic dictatorship ruling Iran and its awarding of the Peace Prize to political prisoner Narges Mohammadi.
This action is against the religious fascism ruling Iran, which has subjugated all women in the past four decades and deprived them of their fundamental rights. The regime has arrested, tortured, and executed tens of thousands of Iranian women.
The NCRI President-elect, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, congratulated Mrs. Mohammadi and recalled the Iranian Resistance’s repeated calls for her release. She once again urged the International Community to intervene and secure the release of Mrs. Mohammadi and other political prisoners, especially women.
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Iran’s Regime Deployed Retired IRGC Officers to Suppress Dissent
In a recent meeting with retired members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, openly acknowledged their involvement in suppressing and even killing young protesters who dared to voice their dissent against the regime during the recent nationwide uprising. He also revealed that these IRGC retirees had been systematically organized to quash the protests. Disturbingly, prior reports have shed light on a troubling development: the gratuitous distribution of thousands of housing units to IRGC retirees in western Tehran. This move seems calculated to lure them back into the fold and incentivize their participation in stifling street protests.
Clampdown on Cafes Around Tehran University Sparks Controversy
In the wake of the abrupt shutdown of several cafés in Tehran, particularly those in close proximity to the University of Tehran, an official from the university has revealed that the ‘Organization of the Central Campus of Tehran Universities has taken charge. Simultaneously, a branch affiliated with the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff has accused these cafés of transforming into ‘networking centers’ threatening national security and the regime. While the ‘sealing of cafés’ has been in effect in Tehran and various Iranian cities, particularly since April of this year, as a government measure to counteract women’s refusal to adhere to the mandatory hijab, recent weeks have witnessed a surge in reports about the complete closure of numerous cafés. This phenomenon is most pronounced within Tehran.
The Escalating Wave of Migration from Iran in 2023: Impact on Intellectuals, Healthcare, and Society
Reports emerging from Iran, frequently disseminated through official media channels, highlight a notable shift in the country’s migration patterns. In this latest wave of human resource outflow, high-ranking officials, including those from the Ministry of Health, as well as skilled laborers, are choosing to emigrate. This migration trend has gained such momentum that sociologist Maqsood Farastkhah has pointed out a striking transformation: while in the past, language institutes offered courses in just two languages, today, the demand has surged to the point where they teach a diverse array of ten different languages.
Copenhagen, Denmark—October 4, 2023: MEK Supporters Held a Rally in Solidarity With the Iran Revolution
Copenhagen, Denmark—October 4, 2023: Freedom-loving Iranians and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held a rally in solidarity with the Iran Revolution. They also commemorated the martyrs of the nationwide uprising of the Iranian people, especially the martyrs of Zahedan’s Bloody Friday.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – October 6, 2023