Efforts by the present regime in Iran to try to conceal the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iran haven’t been successful, as the world is fully aware of the impact from independent news reports that have revealed the truth of the impact of the virus on the Iranian people. One of the leaks contained the fact that 50 people had already lost their lives to the virus in the city of Qom.

Members of the MEK Resistance Units responded to the regime’s escalating acts of suppression with new acts of rebellion. Despite the risk of arrest, torture, imprisonment, and even death at the hands of the regime and its henchmen, the brave members of the MEK Resistance Units will continue to stand up for a free Iran.

Amol

In Amol, northern Iran, members of Resistance Unit 313 posted a picture of MEK leader Massoud Rajavi on a bridge.

Ahvaz

Members of Resistance Unit 530 in Ahvaz, southwest Iran, honored the 54th anniversary of the MEK’s founding by hanging a poster featuring the MEK symbol on a pedestrian bridge.

Karaj

Members of Resistance Unit 161 in Karaj, west of Iran, also hung a poster in commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the MEK’s founding.

Khoramshahr

Members of Resistance Unit 216 in Khoramshahr, southwest Iran, hung a poster featuring a quote by National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) President-elect Maryam Rajavi which read, “We will take back and rebuild Iran.”

Tehran

Members of Resistance Unit 216 in Tehran hung up a poster with Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s face and a quote reading, “Each university and school are a resistance center against the dictatorship and this struggle is for freedom.”

Members of Resistance Unit 854 in Tehran placed a large picture of Mrs. Rajavi on the Damavand highway north of the city.

Arak

Members of Resistance Unit 616 in Arak, western Iran, posted a large picture of Maryam Rajavi with a quote reading, “Rise up to overthrow the mullahs’ regime.”

Kermanshah

Members of Resistance Unit 692 in Kermanshah, western Iran, posted a picture of Maryam Rajavi on the Kermanshah highway with a quote reading, “Brave students, professors and teachers across the country are seeking an end to the mullahs’ regime who are also in enmity with knowledge and freedom.”

Urmia

Members of Resistance Unit 868 in Urmia, northwest Iran, posted a picture of Mrs. Rajavi along with the statement, “Freedom, equality and democracy with Maryam Rajavi” on the wall of an administrative building.

Mashhad

Members of Resistance Unit 300 in Mashhad, northeast Iran, posted several pictures of Mrs. Rajavi with a quote which read, “Each university and school are a resistance center against the dictatorship and this struggle is for freedom.”

Isfahan

Members of Resistance Unit 183 in Isfahan, central Iran, hung up a poster featuring a quote from Maryam Rajavi which read, “Rise up to continue the protests and uprising to free Iran of the mullahs’ occupation.”

Rezvanshahr

Members of Resistance Unit 700 in Rezvanshahr, northern Iran, threw paint on a propaganda poster of regime founder Ruhollah Khomeini and current Iranian regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Shiraz

Members of Resistance Unit 664 in Shiraz, south central Iran, posted a picture of Maryam Rajavi on a university campus with a quote reading, “Students across the country should turn all schools into centers of protests and revolt.”

Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province

Members of Resistance Unit 321 in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, southwest Iran, destroyed a number of posters of regime founder Khomenei and Supreme Leader Khamenei at the entrances of villages.

Members of Resistance Unit 898 in the city of  Gachsaran, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, destroyed a poster of Khomeini and Khamenei as well.

Staff Writer

 

 

Based on reports from MEK sources, Iranians from all walks of life staged protests over the past few days as widespread dissatisfaction with the regime and its policies continues to mount among every sector of society. Protests were held by retirees, teachers, workers, defrauded investors, and people with disabilities.

Demonstrations and Protests by Retirees, Teachers in Tehran and Isfahanhttps://t.co/lavlvGy8FC#Iran #IranProtests #FreeIran pic.twitter.com/ZbK3QHmRBU

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 26, 2019

Protests by Retirees

On Monday, August 26th, hundreds of retirees gathered outside of the Labor Ministry building in Tehran to protest low pensions, late payments, inflation, and high prices. Demonstrators carried signs that read: “They used Islam as ladder [to enrich themselves] and impoverish the people,”

“Workers, teachers must not be jailed,” “Jailed teachers must be freed,” and “Leave Syria alone, think of us.”

#Iran pensioners gather in Tehran to demand paychecks and protest the persecution of activists by the regime. #IranProtests going strong despite the regime's widespread suppression. pic.twitter.com/lXu2QBwN8m

— Iran News Wire (@IranNW) August 26, 2019

 

Protest by Teachers

A large group of teachers and retirees held a demonstration in the city of Isfahan in Central Iran on Monday. The protesters gathered near Enghelab (Revolution) Square to demand higher wages and pensions and better healthcare. They held signs that read: “Livelihood, dignity, and health are our inalienable rights,” “We will not rest until we obtain our rights,” “Raise teachers’ wages above the poverty line,” “Our enemy is right here, they lie when they say it’s America,” “Leave Syria alone, think of us,” and “No theft, no humiliation, these are the nation’s chants.”

Security forces attacked the protesters, assaulting and arresting a number of participants.

 

 

 

Women protester hold picture of a detained teacher demanding his release in the pensioners gathering in Tehran #Iran today. The protesters are expressing their economic grievances while demanding freedom of speech. pic.twitter.com/9k2bHMVGEc

— Iran News Wire (@IranNW) August 26, 2019

Protest by Defrauded Investors

MEK sources inside Iran reported that a group of defrauded investors held a protest on Saturday in the city of Rasht in northern Iran. The protesters gathered in the city’s prayer center to demand the return of their stolen savings from the Adineh Complex. The complex was pre-sold to investors by its developers, but construction has still not been completed.

Other Protests

The MEK network reported at least six protests on Saturday in cities across Iran, including Tehran, Arak, Ahvaz and Rasht. Workers defrauded car buyers, and people with disabilities were among those who held protests and demonstrations.

A Call from the Iranian Resistance

The Iranian Resistance salutes the protesters across the country who are standing up for their rights, despite the suppressive tactics of the mullahs and their henchmen. It calls on the Iranian people, especially the youth, to support the teachers, retirees, and the many others who are protesting against the oppression of the religious fascist regime. It further calls upon international human rights groups and workers unions to condemn the Iranian regime’s ruthless suppression of the protesters and to take immediate action to secure the release of those who were detained.

The Iranian regime is notorious for its treatment of political prisoners. Protesters and others who are arrested for political dissent are frequently tortured, sometimes to the point of death. Political prisoners can be denied legal representation under the pretense of “security” crimes, and all prisoners in Iran are subjected to inhumane, unsanitary, and overcrowded conditions.

Staff writer

 

 

 

 

With sights that conjure up scenes from earlier in 2018, farmers from Isfahan province and villages and towns surrounding the Zayandeh Rud River have been making their voices heard in protests on the streets of Isfahan City.

Reports from MEK sources inside Iran indicate that the farmers have been traveling into the city to take part in vast protests over the last few days, as they have at several points in 2018, in protest of the regime’s rampant abuse of their water rights.

Regime water mismanagement has left the farmers without enough water to cultivate their crops. Despite officials making several promises to address the situation, there has been no resolution to the farmers’ drought problem.

#Isfahan farmers hold demonstrations, chant “death to Rouhani”
On Friday, the farmers of Varzaneh, east Isfahan, returned to the Darvazeh Dolat square to hold demonstrations in protest to the government’s policies that have resulted in… https://t.co/RFutjg79vG #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/Ybbut7xEOJ

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 5, 2019

While the exact numbers of farmers involved in the protests are unknown, a state-run news agency conceded that the crowd of farmers was so large, “the riverbed of the Zayandeh Rud could not be seen beyond Pol-e Khaju [as] the crowd of farmers had filled the space.”

However, the news network deliberately avoided all mention of the farmers’ loud chants of “death to the dictator”.

Farmers Fighting for Survival

In the face of economic ruin and starvation, the farmers’ protests have been intensifying in recent weeks. Clashes between the farmers and the Iranian regime security forces have become even more common, often resulting in the death of a number of protestors.

Hassam Kamran, a representative of Isfahan sitting in the Iranian Parliament, decried the situation in his home province. “Why are you doing this?”, he asked the regime, “the other day, eight of their people [protestors] were killed. Anything that happens in the future will be laid at the feet of [parliament speaker Ali] Larijani and the government.”

Iran – Isfahan
Continuing the demonstrations of farmers in Warzna Isfahan with all their strength in protest against the policies of the mullahs' regime chanting slogans: Greetings to the farmer .. Death to the ungrateful !! We stand and get our rights ..
Friday 4 January 2019 pic.twitter.com/pIDIrzz0At

— iran panorama (@rezahoseanirad2) January 4, 2019

The government has attempted to frame the death of the protestors and the ongoing clashes as a security issue, however, the Iranian people know better. A group of hungry farmers on the brink of economic ruin are not a security issue. They are a population that has seen their basic human rights deprived by the repressive regime in power.

Even Kamran himself has been guilty of abusing the hardworking farmers of Isfahan. He was involved in the arbitrary plunder and the destructive policies that created this mess. But now, sensing the regime’s days are numbered, he is working tirelessly to distance himself from the atrocious policies and side with the swelling tide of protestors.

The Farmers of Isfahan are not Alone

The mullahs’ destructive and dangerous policies have left other farmers with water shortages. Farmers in Khuzestan, Charmahal Bakhtiari and many other provinces have reported crop failures due to insufficient water access.

#Isfahan farmers’ cries for their rights can be heard from Khajou Bridge despite repressive measures and the arrests of a number of them. I hail the protesting farmers and call on all youths to support them. #IranProtests #Iran

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) January 2, 2019

The problem stems from the regime’s dam-building operations that have diverted the flow of water away from the agricultural heartlands.

The farmers know this and are determined to show the regime the effects of their handiwork. They shout slogans like, “farmers will die but won’t give in to disgrace” and have turned their back during Friday prayers.

The brave farmers are showing the mullahs, much like many other segments of the Iranian workforce, that they will not tolerate the systematic abuses that have been carried out by the regime’s corruption and mismanagement. This rage is bubbling below the surface across the Iranian workforce, but it is begging to break out. The consequences will be nothing short of catastrophic for the clerical regime.

Staff Writer

December 28th marks the one year anniversary of the nationwide uprising that mobilized people from all walks of life to take to the streets in protest of Iran’s theocratic regime. The protests began in Mashhad on December 28, 2017, and spread to over 140 cities in every province in Iran over a two week period.

Maryam Rajavi calls for support for the striking workers and urgent action to secure the release of those arrested#Iran#IranProtestshttps://t.co/rBepQKpCRu pic.twitter.com/dwN4FKwNVB

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) December 19, 2018

The initial protests were in response to the economic disaster facing the country. Poverty, corruption, inflation, and rising unemployment drove many Iranians into the streets to protests. But as the uprising grew in strength and numbers, the demonstrators began to protest the regime itself.

Protesters chanted, “Death to the dictator!”

“Death to [Supreme Leader] Khamenei!”

“Khamenei shame on you, let go of your rule!”

One year later, Iran is still the scene of daily protests and demonstrations against the authoritarian regime. The protesters have made it clear that they will not be satisfied until the ruling regime is toppled and democracy is restored to Iran.

The MEK has played a leading role in the protests taking place across Iran. As the movement to topple the mullahs’ regime has grown, the people have sought a viable alternative to the corrupt dictatorship that has destroyed Iran’s economy and environment, and that has oppressed its people for the past four decades. The MEK offers a democratic alternative that will restore freedom to Iran.

Iran News Wire summarized protest activity in Iran over the past year. The following is a summary of their report:

January

Recorded Protests: 643

Daily Average: 21

#IranProtests – Tehran, January 9, 2018 front of Evin Prison https://t.co/dwe8XMhcpn#تظاهرات_سراري pic.twitter.com/3HipV5hwH2

— Iran Focus (@Iran_Focus) January 9, 2018

The uprising that began in December 2017 continued into January, and protests took an anti-regime turn in the month of January. Protesters set fire to Basij bases and tore down images of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

February

Recorded Protests: 596

Daily Average: 21

Today Wednesday February 21, 2018, some of the looted depositors of 'Caspian' & 'Arman Vahdat' financial institutions, held a protest gathering in fronot ot regime's parliament and asked 4 the recuperation of their deposts, in this protest gathering. #IranProtests #Iran #Tehran pic.twitter.com/GXAkd4SGJo

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) February 21, 2018

March

Recorded Protests: 422

Daily Average: 14

April

Recorded Protests: 452

Daily Average: 15

#Iran: Residents of Kazeroon, in southern Iran, continued their demonstrations for the sixth consecutive day on Friday, April 20, 2018. A large number of suburb residents joined the demonstrators.#IranProtests #FreeIran

https://t.co/EAHzWRM9Wq pic.twitter.com/nm4QSJyJjy

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) April 21, 2018

May

Recorded Protests: 1,093

Daily Average: 35

Striking truck-drivers crippling #Iran regime
Despite the Iranian regime's suppressive measures, according to the #NCRI report; it began in May 2018, and now the strike covers 259 cities. #IranProtests @hassan_mahmou1https://t.co/JnyDYaVREV

— IranGathering (@IranGathering) October 5, 2018

June

Recorded Protests: 475

Daily Protests: 16

#IranProtests – 28 June 2018
(19)
Tehran, #Iran
Store owners in the capital's rug bazaar join the expanding #IranStrikes.#QAnon pic.twitter.com/50IfiXZYpf

— Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) June 28, 2018

 

In June, bazaar merchants in Tehran launched a large-scale strike in protest of the failing economy and rising prices. Protesters in Khoramshahr took to the streets to protest water scarcity.

Protests quickly turned to calls for regime change, with chants of “Death to the Dictator!”, “Death to Rouhani!”, “Death to Khamenei!”, and “Our enemy is right here, they lie when they say it’s the U.S.!”

Women played a key role during the protests in Khorramshahr and in Khuzestan in southwest Iran.

July

Recorded Protests and Strikes: 970 in cities and regions

Daily Average: 31

Fourteenth Day of Strike by Truck Drivers in Cities Across #Iran
The second round of strikes by truck drivers which began on July 23rd in different cities of Iran, continued on its fourteenth day today on Sunday, August 5, 2018.#IranProtests #FreeIran2018 pic.twitter.com/ra9vp8o5CJ

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 6, 2018

August

Recorded Protests: 133

Daily Average: 20

Iran – Ahwaz
Demonstration of workers of the steel industry complex in Ahwaz for the tenth day in a row, repeating the slogan: the worker dies and will not accept humiliation
Monday 27 August 2018
#Iran #IranRegimeChange #Iranprotests #MEK #PMOI pic.twitter.com/lKFPUkt9K4

— iran panorama (@rezahoseanirad2) August 27, 2018

September

Recorded Protests: 1,367 in 293 cities, villages and business and industry regions

Daily Average: 46

Iran’s truck drivers began their nationwide organized strike in September.

October

Recorded Protests: 1,533 in 323 cities, villages, and business and industry regions

Daily Average: 49

October saw the most protest activity in Iran in 2018. Truck drivers, teachers, and bazaar merchants all went on strike in October.

Iran
Since Monday morning, 8 October, large sectors of the Tehran market and the markets of various cities have started a strike and shopkeepers have not opened their shops.
Monday October 8, 2018#IranProtests #IranStrikes pic.twitter.com/sSHSm62XYr

— iran panorama (@rezahoseanirad2) October 8, 2018

November

Recorded Protests: 911 in 171 cities, villages, and business and industry regions

Daily Average: 30

Iranian truck drivers went on another round of strikes in November, as did Iran’s teachers.

The workers of the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Factory workers in Shush and the Iran National Steel Group workers in Ahvaz also began striking in protest of months of unpaid wages. Their weeks-long strikes would attract international attention.

Head of Iranian Regime’s Judiciary Threatens Striking Workers

December

Recorded Protests: 273 as of December 21st

Daily Average: 9

Workers, credit union clients, retirees, students, and prisoners all protesters during the month of December.

The regime arrested a number of striking Ahvaz steelworkers and Haft Tappeh factory workers in an escalation of their previous attempts to suppress the strikes. Regime agents carried out a series of midnight raids on the houses of striking workers and arrested dozens of workers. Reports indicate that labor activist Esmail Bakhshi was tortured in prison.

Iran – Ahvaz
The Ahvaz steelworkers factory who were protesting for 2 months hold rally based on previous call & despite presence of security forces & threats to arrest & suppression.
Chant:" Every workers calling for the death of tyrants"
December 15, 2018#Iran #Iranprotests pic.twitter.com/c6Kssql6bH

— iran panorama (@rezahoseanirad2) December 15, 2018

Iranian truck drivers started their fifth round of strikes this month as well. Those numbers are not included in the report, which will be updated by Iran News Wire in January.

Staff Writer

Strikes and protests are still raging across Iran and show no sign of abating as workers continue to express their dissatisfaction with labor conditions and the ever-worsening economic crisis in the country.

Update (7:30 AM Thursday, November 29th): On Thursday morning, MEK sources inside Iran reported that security forces raided the home of Ali Nejati, one of the striking workers from the Haft Tappeh sugar mill. Nejati was arrested, and when his family asked to see the arrest warrant, they were beaten by police.

November 29 – #IranProtests

Shush, southwest #Iran
Ali Nejati, former head of the Haft Tapeh Sugarcane Mill Workers Syndicate, was arrested by security forces early this morning & transferred to an unknown location.
Nejati suffers from heart problem & is in poor conditions. pic.twitter.com/A19tDh00AI

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 29, 2018

The factory workers marched to the mayor’s office, chanting, “Imprisoned workers must be freed!” and “Nationalize the company!”

Iranian drivers from across the country have expressed their solidarity with the striking factory workers through video messages. One driver said, “I understand your situation. I am a driver and we too are facing harsh conditions. I stand with you and wish you the best of luck in achieving your demands.”

Haft Tappeh Sugar Factory Workers’ Strikes

Thursday was the 25th consecutive day of strikes for the factory workers at the Haft Tappeh Sugar mill in Shush. The workers are striking in protest of months of unpaid wages and the privatization of the company.

The workers published a list of their demands on their Telegram channel and in a written statement. Their demands include basic labor rights such as regular payment of salaries, employer payment of insurance fees, job security for contract workers, and provision of work tools and materials.

Protests Continue to Rage in Ahvaz and Shush

Most of the workers’ demands are already guaranteed under the Iranian regime’s labor laws, but these laws are not being enforced. For example, Iranian labor law dictates that employers are responsible for providing transportation or compensation for transportation for their employees’ commute to and from work. Haft Tappeh has ignored this regulation altogether. Employers are also required by law to provide one hot meal per shift. This law has also been disregarded by Haft Tappeh’s owners.

THREAD
November 30 – #IranProtests

Shush, southwest #Iran
Haft Tapeh sugar cane mill employees rallying for the 26th day, demanding delayed paychecks & protesting corrupt practices by the company's private owners.

Chants:
"Jailed workers must be released" pic.twitter.com/z3NQ9UFcY8

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 30, 2018

The regime has responded to the workers’ demands by sending suppressive forces to arrest the striking workers and by dispatching the head of the regime’s judiciary to threaten the strikers and accuse them of sedition.

The Haft Tappeh factory workers have also asked for the release of their colleague, Esmail Bakhshi, as part of their demands. Bakhshi is a spokesperson for the protesters who was arrested with several others as part of a crackdown by suppressive forces last week. After the striking workers and a growing number of supporters rallied for their release, the regime relented and released the other jailed protesters, but Bakhshi remains in custody.

Farmers’ protests enter the third month

The farmers of Isfahan are entering their third consecutive month of protests over the lack of access to water, which has wreaked havoc on agriculture in the province. Agriculture is the primary source on income in Isfahan, so virtually everyone in the region has been affected by the scarcity of water due to the drying of the Zayanderud River.

#Iran: #Isfahan farmers’ sit-in protesting deprivation of their water rights entered its third month https://t.co/26l69dkNtW #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/Po2JIKjERi

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) November 28, 2018

Isfahan’s farmers blame the water crisis on the regime’s corruption and mismanagement of the country’s water resources. Over the past two decades, the regime has diverted the Zayanderud River, which supplies water to the Isfahan region, to its factories upstream of Isfahan, leaving the once-prosperous farmers without water to irrigate their crops. This, combined with droughts, has left the farmers without a source of income.

The Isfahan farmers have protested by blocking streets with their tractors and machinery and camping in intersections of cities and towns.

On November 25th, farmers in the village of Qarnah destroyed water pipes to prevent the transfer of water from their village to other regions. Special Guard mercenaries responded by attacking the farmers with tear gas, injuring several of the protesters. The farmers chanted: “Zayandeh Rood water is our absolute right!” “We die, we do not accept humiliation!” and “The farmer is awake, he hates (empty) promises!”

Also on November 25th, farmers in Qarnah staged a sit-in at the Qarnah mosque. State security forces attacked the protesters there and broke the mosque’s windows in the process.

The striking farmers at that sit-in held banners proclaiming: “We want our water rights!” “Do not split our Zayandeh Rood!” “Is there any helper?” “Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation!”  “Until when false promises?”

The water crisis has reached such epic proportions that regime has been forced to acknowledge it, at least in part. Hasan Kamran, a member of the regime’s parliament who represents Isfahan, admitted that the Ministry of Energy has given 1,592 million cubic meters of water to Isfahan Steel, Iron and Steel and military industries, leaving the people of Isfahan to survive on wastewater. “The law of water right goes back to 1964, and the Ministry of Energy had no legal right to change it and sell the water,” he said in an October 21st interview with a state-run media outlet.

In an earlier interview with Radio Farhang, Kamran said: “For a decade, water right of the farmers of Isfahan has been plundered… We have lied to them for 10 years… On the one hand, the bank brings an arrest warrant because he (the farmer) was unable to pay his debt. On the other hand, we give his wheat money late, we don’t give him compensation, we steal his water right; who is stealing from him? The same Ministry of Energy.”

Nasser Mousavi Largani, another member of the regime’s parliament, described the current agricultural conditions of Isfahan’s farmers in dire terms. “The farmers of Ghahderijan – their land has turned into desert. They do not have bread to eat. Likewise, the farmers of Pirbakon,” he said.

Ali Bakhtiar, another member of the regime’s parliament, told the Parliament News Agency that

the number of dairy cattle has dwindled from 50-60 thousand to less than 30 thousand. “Livestock is really disappearing … 70-80% of poultry farms in the region are not used,” said Bakhtiar.

The MEK salutes Isfahan’s striking farmers and calls upon all Iranians, particularly the youth, to join in solidarity with their protests and to support them in their demands for water rights.

Staff Writer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday, August 13th, regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei finally broke his silence about the free fall of the rial and the swell of protests that have taken place across Iran since July 31st. His remarks made it clear that he has no solutions to the problems facing Iran.

 

Khamenei attempted to address growing concerns that the rank-and-file of the regime has become dissatisfied, saying, “Some wickedly propagate that the country is at an impasse and that there is no way out other than reaching out to some Satan or the Great Satan. Whoever says we have reached an impasse is either ignorant or his remarks are treasonous.”

Khamenei blamed the corruption in his regime on a few rogue agencies or people, refusing to acknowledge that the corruption extends to the regime as a whole, adding, “Some go too far in their remarks, calling all as corrupt, by referring to the term systematic corruption… Some are careless in their remarks and writings. One cannot extend corruption in some agencies or among some people to the country as a whole.”

 

Khamenei blamed his own regime’s president, Hassan Rouhani, for the catastrophic economic situation in Iran, confirming rumors of infighting among the highest levels of the regime. Khamenei feigned ignorance about his own regime’s decision to  plunder Iran’s wealth on nuclear missile programs and warmongering in the region. blaming these actions on Rouhani.

 

 

He also blamed Rouhani for failing to prepare for U.S. sanctions, saying, “Most of the recent economic problems are due to the measures taken within the country. If actions are taken more efficiently, more prudently, more swiftly and more firmly, sanctions cannot have much effect.”

 

Khamenei indirectly blamed his government for plundering “18 billion dollars of the country’s existing currency,” warning that the judiciary would deal with “those who caused the fall in the value of the national currency.”

 

Khamenei personally oversaw nuclear negotiations with P5+1 and was fully aware of the situation, but he passed on the blame to Rouhani and Javad Zarif, saying, “On the issue of the negotiations, I made a mistake and because of the officials’ [Rouhani and Javad Zarif] insistence I allowed to test this. But the specified red lines were crossed.”

Despite these attacks on his own government, Khamenei then backtracked, fearful that any change to the regime would weaken the already faltering regime further. He said, “Those who say the government must be dismissed are playing into the enemy’s plans. The government must remain in place and carry out its duties in resolving the difficulties with strength.”

Khamenei has a history of blaming others for his own failures. Khamenei spoke against protesters in June, blaming the MEK for anti-government sentiment, saying, ““Since day one after the revolution, hypocrite groups [the derogatory name regime uses doe MEK] have existed, making a stance against our Islamic state and… creating problems for us”.

Khamenei spoke out once again on Monday about the recent protests that have shaken the regime to its core, breaking his silence for the first time since the newest wave of protests began on July 31st. He described the widespread protests as “August incidents, which despite enormous financial and political investment by the enemy turned out to be very limited.” The week-long protests, which took place in a number of cities in Iran, including Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan and Mashhad, were widely attended by people from all walks of life. Chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to Khamenei!” were heard on streets all over Iran.

 

Khamenei acknowledged that the regime is currently in a vulnerable state, saying, “We will not negotiate with America.” He went on to say, “We can enter into the dangerous gambit of negotiating with America only when we have reached the economic, political and cultural prowess which we envision…. But, negotiating now will certainly be to our detriment and is prohibited…. Even if we were to negotiate with the Americans, this being an impossible assumption itself, we would for sure never negotiate with the current (U.S.) government.”

With these words Khamenei made it clear that any change to the regime would lead to regime change.

 

Khamenei completely rejected the possibility of war, disappointing those who would would deny the people of Iran the power to take power back into their own hands, saying, “They raise the specter of a war. But there will be no war. There will definitely be no war.”

The people of Iran have made it clear they are tired of the regime’s meddling in the affairs of other countries. Protesters in recent demonstrations chanted, “Leave Syria alone, think of us!”  Despite the people’s opposition to the regime’s warmongering, Khamenei said, “We have helped the two friendly countries, Syria and Iraq in the face of threats by America and the Saudis.”

 

Khamenei’s remarks proved once again how little regard he has for the will of the people. And his willingness to publicly blame his own government show that the regime is crumbling from the inside.

Staff Writer

On December 28, 2017, a protest began on the streets of Mashhad that triggered an uprising that continues on eight months later.

This new wave of protests has been marked by continuity. But the uprising can be divided into three main phases. Mojahedin.org reported on the three phases of the current uprising taking place in Iran.

Phase One

The first phase started on December 28, 2017 with a protest about inflation. It quickly mutated into a series of anti-government protests targeting the regime as a whole. The protests lasted until January 6, 2018. Though the uprising has ebbed and flowed, it has continued in one form or another since then.

Phase Two

The second phase of the uprising started in March 2018, at the beginning of the Iranian New Year.

The Ahwazi Arabs began protesting on March 28, 2018. The farmers of Isfahan took to the streets after the start of the new year, taking the lead in the uprising. The farmers had already begun protesting for water rights before the beginning of the new year. The authorities cracked down on the farmers, making widespread arrests.

Today, everything – #Isfahan farmers’ share of water, workers’ past due wages, the Iranian people’s right to freedom and sovereignty – totally depends on the overthrow of the clerical dictatorship in Iran#IranProtestshttps://t.co/zwm476FvqX pic.twitter.com/tn79XLi2W1

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 10, 2018

On April 14th, the people of Kazerun began weeks of protests for freedom. Four protesters were killed when security forces opened fire upon a crowd of protesters in May.

On May 10th, teachers went on a nationwide strike in 34 cities across Iran. Their strike had a major impact on the next events in the uprising.

The border city bazaars went on strike in April and May, and on May 14th the strikes spread to Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and then to other cities.
On May 22nd, Iran’s truckers began a nationwide strike that spread to almost every province in the country. The strike had a deep impact on the regime. The strikes were widespread, highly visible, difficult to suppress, and enjoyed popular support. The truck drivers strikes drew a great deal of attention to the regime’s incompetence.

Phase Three

On July 23rd, Iran’s truck driver’s began their second round of strikes. The regime made a number of concessions and promises for reform after the first round of strikes, but most of these had gone unfulfilled.

 

On July 31st, the industrial workers of the Shapur district in Isfahan were joined by other citizens of Isfahan in a grand uprising after the plunge in value of the rial. The uprising quickly spread to a number of other cities, including Shiraz, Karaj, Arak, Mashhad, and Tehran. Calls for regime change were reported by the MEK network inside Iran within the first day of protests.

The third phase of the Iranian uprising is currently in progress. Protesters are asking for the same things they have asked for in past uprisings: Freedom, economic opportunity, human rights, and a free and democratic government.

This is our collective commitment and our collective pledge to the Iranian nation to place everything at the service of the uprisings, giving it all we have and making sacrifices in all fronts in order to advance the uprising.#FreeIran2018 #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/S4gyGCJ7EZ

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) August 6, 2018

Characteristics of the Current Uprising

 

Since the mullahs took power in the 1979 revolution, there have been a number of protests and uprisings. These protests and uprisings may be organized into three major cycles.

 

The Iran student protests of 1999:

 

These protests consisted mostly of students and resulted from an internal power struggle between “reformists” and conservatives within the Iranian regime. Protesters hoped to find a solution within the existing political system.

 

 

The 2009 Iranian election protests:

 

These protests included the middle and upper classes of Iran and also resulted from internal struggles between “moderates” and conservatives. In contrast to the 1999 protests, the 2009 protests were not limited to students and included Iranians of different education levels, ethnicities, and origins. The protests were widespread, including virtually every major city. And while protesters initially hoped to find a solution within the system, as the protests grew and spread, that hope was abandoned and the protesters turned on the regime as a whole.

 

2017-present uprisings:

 

The ongoing uprising is fundamentally different in nature from past protest movements. These difference could lead to its eventual success in overthrowing the regime.

 

Protesters are looking outside of the system for answers. The Iranian people have learned that the myth of the moderate is a lie. Rouhani promised reform during the election and has failed to follow through on a single promise. The MEK network has repeatedly reported chants of “Moderates, conservatives, the game is over!” at protests. Protests on issues as diverse as water access and economic stability turn to calls for regime change within hours. The people are done with the lie that “moderates” are willing or able to change the system.

 

Second, the current uprising is unprecedented in its duration. The uprising has lasted for over eight months. In the almost 40 years of the mullahs’ rule, no wave of protests has ever lasted this long. This is despite the brutal crackdown by the regime.

 

Third, the protests are comprised of a wide range of Iranians from across the political spectrum and from every class, ethnicity, and occupation. Farmers, merchants, truckers, and industrial workers are all marching side by side for freedom. Young people march for a secular government, while religious protesters go to Friday prayers and turn their backs on regime-backed prayer leaders, chanting, “We turn our backs to the enemy, and embrace the country!” Fully chador-clad women join protesters on the streets after Friday prayers, chanting, “Our enemy is right here, they lie about it being America!”

 

Finally, the Iranian regime is in a tailspin due to its corruption, mismanagement, incompetence, and sanctions. In the past, the mullahs have been able to use oil profits to cover for their incompetence. But the economy is no longer able to sustain decades of mismanagement. Experts estimate Iran’s inflation rate is between 100-200 percent per year, and the rial has dropped 100 percent in value against the U.S. dollar in the past six months alone. With the economy in free fall, the mullahs may have lost any leverage they once had to deal with dissent from the people.

 

The people are no longer afraid of the regime’s security forces. Phase three may be the final phase of the uprising.

Staff Writer

A report based on MEK network inside Iran on the regime’s suppression of the recent protests in Iran was published recently. The protests are part of a larger uprising that has grown from economic unrest due to the fall in the value of the rial as U.S. sanctions are set to resume. Calls for regime change have been widespread among protesters in cities across the country.

 

The recent protests and demonstrations in Iran began on Tuesday, July 31st, in several cities. Riot police, security forces and plainclothes agents

were dispatched to the scenes of the protests to disperse the gatherings and subsequently beat and arrested unarmed protesters. A young man identified by the MEK network as Reza Otadi was shot and killed by security forces while protesting in Gohardasht, Karaj on August 3rd.

Reza Otadi, a protester killed in Karaj by #Iran's #IRGC units, was laid to rest in Tehran's famous Beheshte Zahra Cemetery.#IranProtestshttps://t.co/E5pqxV7Tc7

— P.M.O.I (@Mojahedineng) August 7, 2018

The MEK network has prepared a fact sheet about acts of suppression by security forces during the recent protests. The information initially published by Iran HRM has been summarized below:

Tuesday,  July 31st

Shiraz: The regime’s police force fired tear gas onto the protesters, hitting a seven-year-old boy in the face.

July 31
Shiraz, #Iran
As #IranProtests continue, the Iranian regime police force in Shiraz fire teargas into the faces of children. A truly disturbing scene… People are trying to help him overcome the pain. @SimonAdamsR2P @UNPOintl pic.twitter.com/k4zJEh7HIo

— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) July 31, 2018

Karaj: Protesters were beaten by riot police and plainclothes police officers. The regime used water cannons to disperse protesters at night.

Wednesday August 1st

Isfahan: Suppressive forces maintained a heavy presence in the main streets of Isfahan, there were attacks on protesters in several areas. Protesters who had gathered underneath a bridge were also attacked by riot police.

 

Security forces in Noavaran Square stood in a row in front of protesters to attempt to block their path, then used water cannons on them to push the crowd back and disperse them. In another area, security forces clashed with protesters, firing tear gas and bullets into the crowd.

Rasht: Riot police and security forces using batons and Tasers, beat protesters severely, injuring several.

 

Karaj: Protesters were beaten by riot police and security forces.

Thursday, August 2nd

Isfahan: Riot police fired tear gas and pellet guns into a crowd of protesters. The protesters responded by throwing rocks at the police. The police subsequently fired live ammunition into the crowd, shooting a young protester in the leg.

 

Ahvaz: Agents of the regime attacked small groups of people who were standing on the street.

 

Tehran: Security forces in Valiasr Square assaulted and arrested several protesters.

 

Shahin Shahr, Isfahan: Bassij forces from the Revolutionary Guards Corps confronted and severely beat people.

Shiraz: A heavy security presence was in place in Shiraz. Security forces on motorcycles attempted to intimidate protesters by patrolling the area and attacking protesters. Plainclothes agents attacked protesters as well. Riot police fired tear gas into the crowds. Undercover agents went into the crowds of protesters to detain participants.

 

Qahdarijan, Isfahan: Riot police shot tear gas into crowds after clashes with protesters.

Karaj: Protesters were attacked on the streets by Bassij forces. Riot police fired tear gas at protesters. As night fell, riot police attempted to intimidate the protesters by marching on the street with motorcycle police following behind them.

 

Mashhad: Police shot tear gas at protesters from motorcycles and from on foot. A number of protesters were detained.

 

Friday,  August 3rd

Shahin Shahr, Isfahan: Riot police shot tear gas into crowds of protesters, as police assaulted protesters with their batons. Riot police attempted to intimidate the protesters by patrolling the streets on motorcycles. Protesters were attacked by Bassij forces.

 

Karaj: A large presence of security forces of all types was dispatched to the protests in Karaj. Many riot police were on the scene to fire tear gas and pellet guns into the crowds of protesters. Riot police also assaulted the protesters. Bassij forces, Revolutionary Guards Corps agents, and plainclothes agents attacked protesters with batons. Security forces shouted their support for the regime’s Supreme Leader while they beat the protesters.

 

Security forces opened fire into the crowd. A young man, identified as Reza Otadi, was killed by security forces in the protests. Another young man was shot in the arm and taken to the hospital for treatment.

 

Tehran: A heavy security presence was active in Tehran, with a large number of both police and plainclothes agents. Police arrested a number of people in Valiasr Square, both men and women.

 

People who filmed the protests with cellphones were arrested. Police attacked a number of people with batons and Tasers, singling out women.

 

Bujnord, North Khorasan Province: At least ten people were detained by security forces. Numerous protesters were attacked.

 

Saturday,  August 4tt

Karaj: About 100 Bassij forces and Intelligence agents posed as protesters during the day, wearing masks and participating in the protests. As night fell, riot police attacked on motorcycles and the undercover agents began arresting people, pulling the protesters’ shirts over their heads and forcing them onto a bus.

 

Qahdarijan, Isfahan: Security forces shot guns into the air.

Eshtehard, Karaj: Protesters who had gathered outside of the Eshterhard Seminary were attacked and detained by security forces.

Sunday,  August 5th

Tehran: Protesters in South Kargar Street were attacked by riot police. Numerous people were arrested.

 

Security forces were positioned in every major street to prevent any gathering.

 

Internet lines were slowed and then completely shut off for a few hours overnight. Nothing could be sent out.

Karaj: A water cannon and several different armored vehicles were brought into the streets, along with at least 30 security forces on motorcycles and almost 50 plainclothes agents in masks. All of the streets leading to Gohardasht were barricaded with cement barrier blocks. Cameras were installed in strategic locations to identify protesters. Security forces threatened store owners around Gohardasht and told them to close their shops. Bassij forces were armed with sticks, agents carried batons and other equipment, plainclothes agents carried weapons under their clothes to beat protesters. Security forces beat and detained a number of protesters. They shot tear gas into the crowd at frequent intervals. In other areas of Tehran, riot police and tanks were brought out.

 

 

 

On Friday, August 3rd, Fox News published an article on its website from Ben Evansky, titled “Iran’s Widespread and Growing Protests Push Citizens to Brink”. Evansky outlined the rising discontent among the Iranian population.

 

His article comes at a prominent moment. The residents of Isfahan have joined the nation’s truck drivers in their protests, and protests in Tehran continue to rage.

The economy is in sharp decline as decades of mismanagement has caused rampant currency inflation. On top of a spiralling economy, Iranian’s have to contend with water shortages and price increases for basic essentials like food and drink.

A Growing Protest Movement

Evansky describes how in these uncertain times, the Iranian protest movement is rapidly expanding. The People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK) and their activists have published footage on social media of the protests in Iran. Tehran’s residents can be heard chanting “the mullahs must get lost”.

#IranProtests against Khamenei's regime reach the capital Tehran tonight w/ chants of "The mullahs must get lost" (Video via MEK activists in Vali Asr Street) For 3 days protests have rocked Iran's major cities #FreeIran2018 @realDonaldTrump @GMarquis45 @PressSec @mercedesschlapp pic.twitter.com/2YKYWyRnnE

— M. Hanif Jazayeri (@HanifJazayeri) August 2, 2018

Similar images have been released from Arak. Protestors there are using the slogan, “no to Gaza, no to Lebanon, my life for Iran” (referring to the mullahs use of Iranian finances to fund foreign conflicts and terrorist organizations abroad while Iran’s own population goes hungry and thirsty).

In his article, Evansky analyzed the slogans used by the Iranian population during the protests and discovered they provide significant insight into the opposition movement. Firstly, the women of Isfahan province are among the chanters and protestors. Fox News based on analysis of an Iran analyst, asserted that the women of Najafabad in Isfahan province “used to be a traditional bastion of regime support”. Now, these same women are in the streets shouting, “they fed Syria but made our young people turn old”.

It is not just the women of Isfahan, other segments of the regime’s support base are turning against them. The urban and rural poor, the day laborers, the farmers, and the factory workers have all joined the protest movement, uniting all segments of Iranian society in opposition.

Fox News goes on to suggest that this could be a pivotal moment for the Iranian opposition. The residents of the regime heartlands have been the mullahs’ foundations of support. Those residents are now beginning to realise that the mullahs do not have their best interests at heart. This realisation casts uncertainty on the mullahs’ future in power.

The Role of the US

Many in the US government have proposed supporting the Iranian protestors. In his article, Evansky cited a spokesman for Republican Senator Ted Cruz who said that “the United States should be doing everything possible to support these protestors”.

The US government’s stance towards the mullahs is hardening. Since Donald Trump withdrew the US from the Iran deal, he has passed a new round of sanctions, urged European nations to adopt a tougher stance, and put a resolution through Congress pledging US support to the Iranian protestors.

Falling Dominoes

The latest protests and the hardening position of the international community towards the mullahs has set in motion a series of events that will lead to the ultimate collapse of the clerical regime. Like falling dominoes, the rapidly expanding protest movement will become too great for the mullahs to repress and silence.

The mullahs have no solution for containing the chaotic state of the economy and all their measures and plans have failed. Sacking the Central Bank’s president, arresting bazaar merchants, spreading lies and false pretenses are no longer effective. #IranRegimeChange#Iran

— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) July 30, 2018

The President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Maryam Rajavi, emphasized the importance of keeping the current movement going. In a statement, she exclaimed, “Iran’s risen and revolting cities are joining the protests, one after the other. The cry for freedom is becoming louder, and the uprising is expanding more and more every moment.”

Rajavi ended her statement by celebrating the powerful political force the Iranian public hold in their hands and their voices. “The is no force more powerful than the united force of young people”.