The Iranian state security services have intensified their protest crackdown and social oppression in recent days. The regime is likely escalating out of concern that protests are reigniting. This regime escalation could exhaust security forces ahead of the planned protests and strikes on January 6-8.
One IRGC member died and three other members were injured during protests in Semirom, Esfahan Province.
The IRGC and/or its foreign proxies could attack US positions in Iraq and Syria in the days surrounding the three-year anniversary of the US killing Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mehdi al Muhandis.
At least one protest occurred on January 1, and three protests occurred in two cities across two provinces on January 2.
A telecommunications union chief, Mehdi Mohebi, stated that around 800 Starlink devices are active in Iran.
The Sari Revolutionary Court sentenced 18-year-old protester Mehdi Mohammadi Fard to death, according to a HRANA report.
Some Iranian banks are prohibiting cash withdrawals, according to social media users.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-january-2
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