[AdmSmith]

Iran Crisis Update, February 24, 2023

Iranian regime security forces escalated against prominent Sunni cleric Moulana Abdol Hamid after months of relative restraint while concentrating forces in Zahedan. Abdol Hamid deescalated slightly in his Friday sermon, possibly in response to the regime’s more aggressive security approach. Some clerics within Abdol Hamid’s circle adopted a more aggressive position regarding the regime escalation in Zahedan.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran will sell air defense equipment, such as radars and surface-to-air missiles, to Syria.
At least two protests occurred in two cities across two provinces.
The Iranian rial fell to a new record low, valuing at around 540,000 rials to the US dollar.
Supreme Cultural Revolution Council Secretary Abdol Hossein Khosrou Panah called for establishing a cohesive state-run media apparatus to quickly and efficiently promote regime narratives publicly.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-february-24-2023

[AdmSmith]

Iran Crisis Update, February 27, 2023

Protest activity in Iran is rising and returning to levels not seen since the end of 2022.

Different regime power centers are arguing with one another over how to address economic issues and trying to deflect blame away from themselves.
The Raisi administration may replace some of its economic managers with figures closely tied to the IRGC financial network to address the economic crisis.
The Raisi administration may be trying to revitalize the nuclear negotiations with the West.
Iran is likely continuing to reinforce its military presence in Syria.
At least one protest occurred on February 25, eight protests on February 26, and 13 protests on February 27.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-february-27-2023