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
IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, DECEMBER 9
Mass protester arrests and detentions are likely impacting protest turnout.
Some social media users voiced skepticism of groups purporting to represent local protest organizations on social media, reflecting the complex information environment in which dissidents are operating.
The Iranian regime may exploit the death of a Sunni cleric to crack down on acts of dissidence in Sistan and Baluchistan Province.
At least eight protests took place in seven cities across five provinces on December 9.
Several senior Iranian officials endorsed death penalties for arrested protesters and described executions as an effective means to discourage protest activity on December 9.
The Iranian Special Clerical Court sentenced Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s niece Farideh Moradkhani to three years in prison on unknown charges.
Senior US officials stated that Russia is providing an unprecedented level of military and technical support to Iran in exchange for Iranian-made weapons systems.
Iran is reportedly smuggling weapons to Lebanon through the Beirut International Airport in order to bypass blocked routes through Syria.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-9