IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, DECEMBER 19
Some protest coordinators and organizations are trying to reclaim religion from the regime, essentially arguing that one can be devoutly religious and still oppose the Islamic Republic.
The Mashhad Neighborhood Youth explained part of its protest doctrine, promoting the idea of decentralized, “neighborhood-based” protests.
The regime is torturing arrested protesters to extract forced confessions.
At least 10 protests took place in five cities across four provinces.
Anti-regime militancy has increased in Sistan and Baluchistan Province since December 18.
The Guardian reported that dozens to possibly a few hundred protesters have fled Iran into Iraqi Kurdistan since the protests began in September 2022.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-19
IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, DECEMBER 20
Protest activity did not surge significantly outside of the Iranian capital region, despite calls from protest coordinators and organizations for countrywide demonstrations and strikes on December 19-21.
This reduced protest activity does not, however, indicate the end of the anti-regime movement.
Senior regime officials discussed expanding domestic internet restrictions.
IRGC Quds Force Commander Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani threatened domestic and foreign media outlets who have criticized the regime.
At least eight protests took place in three cities across three provinces.
An Artesh soldier reportedly expressed support for the protesters and opposition to the execution of protesters in central Tehran.
Prominent Sunni Cleric Moulana Abdol Hamid warned the regime against ignoring the will of the people.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei met with the families of the victims of the October 26 ISIS attack in Shiraz, Fars Province.
IRGC Coordination Deputy Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naghdi acknowledged that economic issues have partly fueled the protests.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian participated in the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in Amman.
Anti-Regime Protests
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-20