[AdmSmith]

Iran Crisis Update, March 7, 2023

CTP assesses with moderate confidence that the Iranian regime is using the recent chemical attacks throughout Iran to set conditions to securitize the country ahead of major national holidays.
Security forces have responded more violently to recent poisoning-related unrest than they have to recent economically motivated protests and strikes.
Iranian Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani claimed on March 6 that countries are seeking to acquire the Iranian-made Bavar-373 air defense system, possibly referring to Syria.
At least 20 protests occurred in 17 cities across 13 provinces.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-march-7-2023

[AdmSmith]

Iran Crisis Update, March 8, 2023

The Iranian regime has validated CTP’s previous assessment that it is using the recent chemical attacks to set conditions to securitize the country ahead of major national holidays.
The regime's threatening posture has not yet deterred protest activity nor silenced the population into compliance.
Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) began constructing 500 prefabricated residential units near Aleppo International Airport on March 6, which the PMF may use to establish long-term housing for its troops.
At least six protests occurred in three cities across three provinces on March 8.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-march-8-2023