IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, DECEMBER 31
Recent comments from Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps leaders reflect the ongoing divisions within the regime, and especially the IRGC, over the protests. Protests have been occurring at a lower tempo late November, which may be partly driving the debate among regime officials.
The Iranian Supreme Court accepted the appeal of 26-year-old protester Sahand Nour Mohammad Zadeh, who the Judiciary previously sentenced to death.
At least seven protests occurred in seven cities across six provinces.
Education official Hamid Nikzad stated that the Education ministry would require new teachers to attend seminary training
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-december-31
The Iranian state security services have intensified their protest crackdown and social oppression in recent days. The regime is likely escalating out of concern that protests are reigniting. This regime escalation could exhaust security forces ahead of the planned protests and strikes on January 6-8.
One IRGC member died and three other members were injured during protests in Semirom, Esfahan Province.
The IRGC and/or its foreign proxies could attack US positions in Iraq and Syria in the days surrounding the three-year anniversary of the US killing Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mehdi al Muhandis.
At least one protest occurred on January 1, and three protests occurred in two cities across two provinces on January 2.
A telecommunications union chief, Mehdi Mohebi, stated that around 800 Starlink devices are active in Iran.
The Sari Revolutionary Court sentenced 18-year-old protester Mehdi Mohammadi Fard to death, according to a HRANA report.
Some Iranian banks are prohibiting cash withdrawals, according to social media users.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-january-2