Iran Crisis Update, March 16, 2023
Some Iranian leaders are likely concerned about their ability to convince the population that the national Iranian identity is inextricably interwoven with the regime’s religious ideology.
Iranian officials and state media have scaled back their discussion on the recent student poisonings—an unusual response to this recent, large-scale security crisis.
Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Ali Shamkhani visited the UAE—the most senior Iranian visit to the country since President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited in 2007.
At least five protests occurred in five cities across two provinces.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-march-16-2023
Iran Crisis Update, March 17, 2023
Some Iranian leaders continue to refuse to make the necessary changes that will meaningfully address popular frustrations.
Some regime officials acknowledge that the regime has not resolved Iran’s economic problems.
Prominent Sunni cleric Moulana Abdol Hamid intends to normalize public discussions in Iran about creating a more inclusive political system.
At least one protest occurred in one city and one province.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-march-17-2023