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
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appears to be personally directing the regime's approach to protests in Sistan and Baluchistan Province.
At least five protests occurred in three cities across two provinces.
Some protest coordinators and organizations announced plans to regularly publish printed bulletins.
The Interior Ministry may be shuffling around provincial governors to improve internal security.
Iran may face mounting gas shortages in the coming winter months.
President Ebrahim Raisi and local officials emphasized the need to conserve gas on December 21.[6] Raisi called on the Oil Ministry and state media to encourage the public to reduce energy consumption. One provincial official in Gilan Province declared December 22 a local holiday for conserving energy. Raisi administration officials have expressed concern over these worsening shortages for months.[7] Domestic energy concerns could inflame anti-regime grievances as these issues mount.