Iran is currently facing a profound economic crisis, characterized by a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial and a staggering increase in the price of the dollar.

As prices soar and economic stability teeters, discord is evident within the regime itself, with members of the parliament openly criticizing President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration for its role in the economic downturn. In a revealing statement to the state-run Entekhab website, Moeinoddin Saeedi, a parliament member, expressed his concerns about the escalating dollar prices, which now far exceed the government’s official rate of 65,000 tomans per dollar. Saeedi accused the government of ignoring the real impact of its denial on the economy, stating, “Sometimes people say that we are facing a phenomenon of government dysfunction in the economy.”

Javad Nikbin, another vocal member of the parliament, highlighted the rapid depreciation of the Iranian currency. Just a year ago, discussions about impeachment arose when the exchange rate crossed thirty thousand tomans. Today, not only has the dollar surpassed 65,000 tomans, but the price of gold coins, a traditional form of savings in Iran, has also skyrocketed to over 45 million tomans.

The frustration extends beyond individual grievances. The parliament recently held a joint session with the government, which, according to Zabihollah Azami Saradoui, another member of parliament, was futile and offered no relief to the struggling populace. Saradoui and others are pessimistic about the near future, foreseeing a continued upward trend in the dollar’s value, which President Raisi attributes to external pressures and regional conflicts. However, critics like Kazem Delkhosh Abatari argue that the issue stems from mismanagement and the improper distribution of resources.

Yahya Ebrahimi, also a parliament member, warned of an impending economic disaster, with the dollar potentially reaching 100,000 tomans in the coming months. He noted that the officially reported inflation rate of 40 to 50% is likely understated, with the real impact being much more severe on the Iranian populace.

This wave of criticism comes at a time when the government has increased salaries for government employees by 20%, a measure that Hojatoleslam Firouzian claims is insufficient given the rapid devaluation of their earnings due to inflation. This situation paints a bleak picture of Iran’s economic landscape, where rhetoric from leadership seems increasingly disconnected from the harsh realities faced by its citizens.

As Iran grapples with these economic challenges, the internal strife within the regime highlights the complexity of resolving such a multifaceted crisis. The coming months are crucial as the government faces pressure both from within and outside its borders to stabilize the economy and address the growing concerns of its people.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu