Iran Nation or Cause

“Iran Protests Swell in Tehran’s Bazaar,” WSJ, 1-6-26.  “Iran arrests hundreds, disrupts internet as currency falls to new low and protests enter a second week. … The government has acknowledged the economic complaints of the protesters but has also used its security forces in hopes of keeping the demonstrations under control. At least 1,200 people have been arrested and at least 29 killed in unrest that has now spread to 88 cities, the group Human Rights Activists in Iran said late Monday. The group said authorities have also implemented localized internet disruptions to disrupt communication among protesters. Online traffic abruptly fell by an average 40% in Iran on Sunday compared with the seven previous days and again by 9% early Tuesday, according to cybersecurity company Cloudflare. The traffic then went back to normal, Cloudflare data shows.”

“Iran on the brink as protesters move to take two cities, appeal to Trump,” Fox, 1-6-26.

“Iran anti-government protests spread to majority of provinces, videos show,” BBC, 1-6-26.

“Protests and US warnings shake Iran at its weakest point in years,” BBC, 1-5-26.

“Iran offers citizens $7 monthly payments as protests spiral over economic crisis: report,” Fox, 1-5-26.

“Report: Senior Iranian officials acknowledge Iran had been thrust into survival mode amid protests and military threats,” I24, 1-4-26.  “Last week, Pezeshkian held two emergency meetings with his economic advisory committee, asking for guidance and written talking points if the crises deepen, two officials familiar with the meetings told the outlet. Some advisers reportedly suggested that the president emphasize Iran’s dual-power structure, noting that key decisions are made by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”  The president will be in hot water for criticizing the Leader, which is in essence what happens when you identify him as responsible for decisions.

Syria’s former president is in Moscow, too.  But do consider this–a first story, ever, of a Supreme Leader abandoning his post.  Would this mean the end of the Islamic Republic of Iran?  See “Ayatollah Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow if Iran unrest intensifies,” The Times, 1-4-26.  BTW, Assad could not deliver many assets to Putin; Khamenei controls, at least for the moment, more than $100 billion through Setad.

“When Khamenei speaks, Iran’s crackdown on protests hardens – analysis,” JPost, 1-4-26.

As this Jan. 3 begins, this blog turns to events in Venezuela, because after all, if your rearrange the letters you get Iran (or Hezbollah).  Same for Cuba.  The best news coverage is on BBC.  Follow the NYT also.  Here’s one of many stories in other sources, “Iran, Hezbollah condemn, Russia offers mediation after US operation on Venezuela,” JPost, 1-3-26.  And see “Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Machado welcomes US intervention,” BBC, 1-3-26.  “The opposition leader of Venezuela – and Nobel Peace Prize winner – Maria Corina Machado has welcomed the US intervention, saying the country’s “hour of freedom” has arrived. She said on social media that President Maduro was removed from power after refusing a negotiated exit, and the opposition’s candidate for the 2024 elections – Edmundo Gonzalez – should now “assume” the presidency.”

“Iran Supreme Leader says will not yield as protest simmer and US threatens,” Reuters, 1-3-26.  Let the words of the Leader remind us, that when he says the Regime will only “talk to protesters”, not rioters, that he believes all protesters are rioters.  He will talk to no persons on the street.  The Regime will soon begin a heavy hand of arrests, beatings, and death.  They have no other pattern, history, or playbook.  See “Iran’s Khamenei says rioters ‘must be put in their place’ amid protests,” Al Jazeera, 1-3-26.  Similar, “Khamenei labels protesters ‘enemy mercenaries,’ backs crackdown,” Iran International, 1-3-26.  Anyone who walks, marches, chants, they’re all rioters to Khamenei, and are to be dealt with.

This blog finds opportunity to mention international law fairly often, and here again today but in the context of Iran and its Latin American partners/proxies.  A problem that some have is they don’t remember that international law is made and codified by countries, not persons or international organizations.  We remember Eichmann, Noriega, and now Maduro.  The UN Secretary General has not pushed for Maduro to give up power after he stole the election, a violation of int’l norms, but he is calling for his reinstatement after Maduro’s removal on narco-terrorism by the U.S.  In short, international law has a moral component, and the people of Venezuela especially sense this, along with the U.S.

“Iran and Maduro ties suffer major blow following US operation and capture of Venezuelan dictator,” Fox, 1-3-26.  “Experts say Venezuela served as operational hub for Iranian terrorism, drug trafficking and power projection in Latin America.”

“Iran Uprising Day 7: Bloodshed in Malekshahi and Khamenei’s Panic as Nation Defies Crackdown,” NCRI, 1-3-26.

This is just too rich.  “Khamenei’s representative says protest videos and chants are AI-made,” Iran International, 1-2-26.

“Iran protests: Death toll cited at 10 amid reports of unrest spreading to rural provinces,” I24, 1-2-26.

“Who Is Leading the Revolt Against Iran’s Crumbling Regime?,” Media Line, 1-2-26.  The snarky answer is that the Grand Ayatollah is leading the revolt—he (and his predecessor) and the system created by the Revolution are responsible for the misery that got the people of Iran to this point.

“About the New Iranian Protests,” WSJ, 1-2-26.  “Remember the predictions from so many experts that a military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites would cause Iranians to rally behind their regime?”  Those same persons say stay away now.

So there are several stories on this.  “Trump warns US will intervene if Iran kills protesters,” BBC, 1-2-26.  Trump remembers that Obama did nothing during a major uprising, hoping to draw the Ayatollah into a nuclear agreement.  This is probably a warning to the Regime to let peaceful protests continue.

“Trump and top Iranian officials exchange threats over protests roiling Iran,” CBC, 1-2-26.  Let’s be clear about this.  The U.S. or Mossad or anyone else who takes the high ground and says that killing protesters is wrong can’t be blamed by the Regime for the Regime’s actions against the protesters.

“Iran protests expose a system sliding toward collapse, experts say,” Iran International, 1-2-26.

“Iran: US troops ‘legitimate targets’ after Trump threatens to intervene in protests,” Iran International, 1-2-26.

“How will the mass protests that are convulsing Iran unfold?,” Economist, 1-2-26.

“The Fall Of Iran Could Change Everything,” Middle East Forum, 1-2-26.

“The President has other options to support Iranians. The U.S. can help protesters with strike funds and communications, extending Starlink access or virtual private networks when the regime cuts off the internet. The U.S. can also expose regime thugs and cripple their communications, while encouraging defections. Above all, Mr. Trump can enforce oil sanctions as he now is doing in Venezuela.”  See “Middle Eastern governments are watching Iran’s protests,” WSJ, 1-2-26.

“Iran accepts cryptocurrency as payment for advanced weapons,” Coin Desk, 1-2-26.  “Prospective customers could purchase weapons such as missiles, tanks and drones using crypto, according to a government website.”

“Iran: International Community Must Stand with Iranian People, Demand Accountability for Regime’s Escalating Repression,” Freedom House, 1-2-26.

“Iran’s Refusal to Dial Back Nuclear Program Lit Fuse on Currency Crisis,” WSJ, 1-2-26.

Fifth day of protests.  Live ammunition.  This is always the pattern.  “Two people confirmed dead as Iran protests turn into ‘battlefield’,” Guardian, 1-1-26.

It is good news when MEast countries tell the main Iranian proxy to give up.  “Report: Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey give Hezbollah ultimatum to disarm,” I24, 1-1-26.

“Iran starts 2026 facing protests, inflation and sanctions,” DW, 1-1-26.

Nothing says welcome to the New Year like “Death to ….”  See “New Tehran banners threaten further attacks on Israel, US interests,” Iran International, 1-1-26.

“I hope this pressure continues until we reach an outcome because the bazaar has the power to break the back of this government and take it down. I hope the protests continue.”  See “Inside the massive protests sweeping Iran,” ABC, 1-1-26.

“Iranians Have Had Enough,” Atlantic, 1-1-26.  It would be great to see other countries and the UN come out and side with the people.  Iran has been too much a thorn in everyone’s side to simply sit by and watch.

“Israeli defense officials are closely monitoring whether Iran might attempt a last-ditch missile attack on Israel as the regime grows weaker, officials said on Thursday.”  See “Iran’s middle class uprising poses new security challenge for Israel,” JPost, 1-1-26.

With Hezbollah (Iran) not complying with the agreement to disarm, and with its many ceasefire violations, “IDF awaits green light to strike as Hezbollah deadline expires,” Israel Hayom, 1-1-26.

“At least 6 reported killed during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy,” NBC, 1-1-26.  Remember that what the Regime will do is grow tired of peaceful marches and signs and chants, and they will start to break up parades with bicycle chains and individual arrests and rammings, and even snipers.

“Iran launches satellites on Russian rockets as Moscow-Tehran ties deepen,” Fox, 12-31-25.

“Most of Iran Shuts Down as Government Grapples With Protests and Economy,” NYT, 12-31-25.  “Amid mounting street protests, businesses, universities and government offices stayed closed Wednesday under government orders, in 21 of 31 provinces, including Tehran.”  These were ordered to a great extent by the government.  “The disruptions caused by the days of protests came as footage circulating on social media on Wednesday and verified by The New York Times showed demonstrators throwing objects at the gates of a government building complex in Fasa, in south-central Iran, and then shaking them until they opened. The protests have spread and drawn in demonstrators from across sectors and society, with the demonstrators increasingly also expressing frustration and anger at the regime over not only the economy but severe water shortages and more. “Death to the dictator,” protesters shouted at a demonstration in Hamedan in west-central Iran, according to a video posted by BBC Persian.”

“Iran on the brink? Key information about the protests,” DW, 12-31-25.

‘We want the mullahs gone’: economic crisis sparks biggest protests in Iran since 2022,” Guardian, 12-31-25.  Despite the massive brain drain over 40 plus years, the yearning for freedom resounds in Iran.  That is a testament to its people and what the country could become.

“When Money Collapses So Does Consent:  Iran’s Currency Crisis and Bazaar Behavior,” Times of Israel, 12-31-2025.

“Protests spread across Iran for third day after currency hits record low,” BBC, 12-30-25.   This is real, started Dec. 29, maybe 28, across the country.  The Regime has no one to blame but itself.  “Protests erupt in Iran over currency’s plunge to record low,” AP, CNN, 12-30-25.

“Iranian president urges government to listen to protesting shopkeepers’ demands,” France 24, 12-30-25.

“Protests erupt in Iran as prices surge and currency hits new low,” NBC, 12-30-25.

“Iran labels Canada’s navy as ‘terrorist’ in retaliation for IRGC listing,” Iran International, 12-30-25.  The Islamic Republic of Iran becomes the only country in the world to claim that Canada’s Navy is a terror organization.

“Head of Iran’s Central Bank resigns amid protests as rial hits record low against the dollar,” PBS, 12-29-25.

“Iran developing unconventional warheads for ballistic missiles, sources say,” Iran International, 12-29-25.  Just another reminder of the Regime’s poor choices, to spend money on unneeded armaments when the economy and domestic needs are so great.

These traders reflect the economy, and are one of the few places (near the Grand Bazaar in central Tehran) to get U.S. dollars and a real exchange rate (much higher than the official rate which no one gets).  “Iran’s currency collapse sparks second day of trader protests,” Europe News, 12-29-25.  Note the video, where they’re chanting, “Don’t be afraid, we’re together.”

The wisdom from the former FM continues to astound all of us.  Maybe he  could be Iranian president.  Maybe he could be UN Sec Gen one day.   Now that I’m through with my sarcasim, I will remind our readers that his favorite line over the years is that we should all treat Iran with “respect.”  Well, if Iran would act as a standard, normal country, we would.  BTW, Zarif was the main Iranian negotiator for the JCPOA.  I wrote six op-eds against it.  The U.S. under Pres Trump backed out because of the threat the JCPOA posed.  Here is the today’s article, “Javad Zarif: Main threat to the Middle East is Israel, not Iran,” Al Jazeera, 12-28-25.

“Iran launches new satellites in show of defiance ahead of Netanyahu-Trump meeting,” JPost, 12-28-25.  And see “Iran Says It Launched 3 Satellites Into Space From Russia,” Moscow Times, 12-28-25.

“UN: Iran Must Stop Execution of 67-Year-Old Iranian Woman,” Center for Human Rights in Iran, 12-28-25.

“Tehran Bazaar Strikes as Dollar Hits 145,000 Tomans While Protests Continue Across Iran,” NCRI, 12-28-25.

“Bita Shafiei, young Iranian activist released on bail after six weeks in prison,” JPost, 12-28-25.