IRAN CRISIS UPDATE, JANUARY 3, 2023
The organizational structure of the protest movement is continuing to evolve and morph as its leaders try to cohere the movement.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei have both expressed concern about the Iranian economy in recent days, possibly indicating their doubts that President Ebrahim Raisi can improve the economic situation.
Unidentified individuals shot and killed an IRGC member outside his home in Tehran Province.
At least two protests took place in two cities across two provinces.
The LEC clashed with an armed “terrorist team” in Sistan and Baluchistan Province.
The IRGC Intelligence Organization seized 700 kilograms of explosive materials in Gharchak, Tehran Province.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-january-3-2023
Protester umbrella organizations appear to disagree on the timing of the upcoming planned protests. This division may be one of the factors depressing protester turnout.
The regime continues to adopt more overtly authoritarian language and policies.
At least one protest occurred in one city across one province.
Iranian media reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has dismissed Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari as law enforcement commander.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reiterated the mandatory hijab requirement during a meeting with female leaders.
Likely Iranian proxies launched two rockets at US forces stationed at the Conoco International Coalition base in eastern Syria.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-january-4-2023