IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, DECEMBER 17
Iranian security personnel clashed with prisoners in Karaj, Alborz Province, reportedly killing one and injuring up to 100 others.
Some protest organizations could be playing increasingly prominent roles within a localized and relatively de-centralized anti-regime actor nexus.
At least 11 protests took place in seven cities across five provinces
The Iranian rial reached a new all-time low.
Iranian media reported that Meta rejected regime demands to nominate a representative to Iran, setting conditions to block or permanently restrict domestic access to Instagram and WhatsApp.
A large, unattributed explosion occurred in Kani Qirzhala, Erbil Province, Iraqi Kurdistan.
Turkish forces shelled alleged Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militia positions near Amedi, Duhok Province, Iraqi Kurdistan.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-17
IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, DECEMBER 18
At least two protests took place in two cities across two provinces. Protests and strikes may increase in the coming days.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and significant parts of his inner circle are continuing to misdiagnose the core problems driving the ongoing protests.
Some protesters have increasingly focused on imposing economic pressure on the regime as the Iranian rial continues to devaluate.
LEC Tehran Provincial Commander Brigadier General Hossein Rahimi announced the seizure of a man-portable rocket launcher and around 50 other small arms.
An LEC Border Guard regiment commander, Colonel Hossein Ali Farahi, announced that the LEC clashed with unidentified militants near Esfandak, Sistan and Baluchistan Province.
Unidentified individuals stabbed and wounded four clerics in Qom City, Qom Province.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-18