Iran Crisis Update, January 18, 2023
Protest activity in Iran may increase on January 19-20.
Iran faces worsening domestic conditions amid the ongoing natural gas shortage throughout the country.
At least one protest occurred in one city across one province.
The Mashhad Neighborhood Youth tweeted declaring its support for and loyalty to Reza Pahlavi.
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi denied that Ali Shamkhani will leave his position as Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) secretary.
Social media users reported a heightened security presence throughout Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchistan Province.
The European Parliament passed a resolution calling on the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al Jubier made a blanket statement calling on Iran to end its nuclear program during an interview with CNBC.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-january-18-2023
Iran Crisis Update, January 19, 2023
The Iranian regime is likely escalating against prominent Sunni cleric Moulana Abdol Hamid.
Protest organizations and coordinators seemingly failed to increase protest activity on January 19.
At least two protests occurred in two cities across two provinces.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution urging the European Union (EU) and EU member states to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization on January 19.
Netblocks and social media users reported mobile internet disruptions in a manner consistent with announced preventative measures aimed at preventing cheating on the Iranian university entrance exam.
Tehran universities threatened and took disciplinary action against unveiled students.
President Ebrahim Raisi held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A Katai’b Hezbollah-affiliated group claimed that it targeted a US logistics convoy using improvised explosive devices.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-january-19-2023