Protest activity on December 7 largely adhered to instructions issued by various local protest organization groups, demonstrating the capability of the protest organizations to generate coordinated acts of anti-regime defiance.
Regime officials and entities defended ongoing internet restrictions as a means to quell unrest on December 7.
At least 19 protests took place in 13 cities across nine provinces on December 7.
An anti-regime outlet claimed that some Iranian officials are arranging for asylum in Venezuela in the event of regime change.
Intelligence and Security Minister Esmail Khatib accused German officials of supporting anti-regime dissident groups in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The sister of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a public letter on December 7 urging security personnel to defect in support of anti-regime protesters. Badri Hosseini Khamenei stated that Khamenei had failed to heed the Iranian population's requests and endorsed the Mahsa Amini protest movement, stating “I hope for the people's victory and the overthrow of [the Islamic Republic].” Hosseini additionally called on the IRGC and other armed forces to join protests “before it is too late.”[30] Hosseini alluded to having privately voiced her grievances to Khamenei.[31] Security personnel arrested Hosseini’s daughter, Farideh Moradkhani, on November 23 for publicly supporting protesters.[32]
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-7
“The sister of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a public letter on December 7 urging security personnel to defect in support of anti-regime protesters. Badri Hosseini Khamenei stated that Khamenei had failed to heed the Iranian population’s requests and endorsed the Mahsa Amini protest movement, stating “I hope for the people’s victory and the overthrow of [the Islamic Republic].” Hosseini additionally called on the IRGC and other armed forces to join protests “before it is too late.”[30] Hosseini alluded to having privately voiced her grievances to Khamenei.[31] Security personnel arrested Hosseini’s daughter, Farideh Moradkhani, on November 23 for publicly supporting protesters.[32]
Worth repeating
IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, DECEMBER 8
The Iranian regime executed a protester on December 8 for the first time since the Mahsa Amini protests began.
At least nine protests took place in seven cities across six provinces.
Two Iranian security personnel have died since December 7.
Hossein Taeb discussed the alleged Western-Israeli hybrid war against Iran on December 8.[17] Taeb has been the adviser to IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed Taeb as IRGC Intelligence Organization chief in June 2022.[18] Taeb may be trying to position himself to replace Ali Shamkhani as Supreme National Security Council secretary. Social media rumors claimed that Taeb and his political allies are trying to install him to the position, as CTP previously reported, although their chances of success at present appear low.[19] Taeb has become an increasingly public-facing figure since his removal, regularly making public statements criticizing the US and Israel.[20]
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-8