Iran Update, May 1, 2023
Iranian leadership emphasized fighting corruption and dismissed several economic officials between April 27 and May 1 in a purported effort to improve Iran’s economy, although these actions will not likely precipitate meaningful economic change.
IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami appointed Brigadier General Abdol Reza Abed as Khatam al Anbiya Construction Headquarters Commander on May 1, possibly signaling the IRGC’s efforts to strengthen its role in the Iranian economy.
At least one protest occurred on April 29, at least 11 protests occurred in 10 cities across nine provinces on April 30, and at least 12 protests occurred in 12 cities across nine provinces on May 1.
CTP recorded poisoning incidents in two provinces on April 29, one province on April 30, and three provinces on May 1.
The New York Times reported that Former Deputy Defense Minister Alireza Akbari, whom Iranian authorities executed for espionage on January 11, 2023, provided the UK with intelligence on Iranian nuclear and military programs for over a decade.
An unidentified assailant stabbed an unspecified cleric in Qom City, Qom Province on April 29.
Unidentified assailants shot and killed Saravan, Sistan and Baluchistan Province Law Enforcement Command Criminal Investigation Chief Alireza Shahraki.
Iranian authorities installed barriers to further segregate men and women in Tehran metros carts on April 30.
Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval discussed Indian-Iranian economic cooperation with senior Iranian officials in Tehran on May 1.
Saudi Arabia evacuated Iranian citizens fleeing Sudan on May 1.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike on suspected Iranian-affiliated targets in Homs Province on April 28.
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on April 29.
Iranian-backed Iraqi proxy Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba released a series of statements echoing rhetoric from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Coordination Framework leadership held a meeting on May 1 with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohamed al Halbousi.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-may-1-2023
Iran Update, May 2, 2023
Iranian officials and members of the clerical establishment have expressed increased concern over the safety of religious figures in recent days.
Iranian-backed Syrian militias may be setting rhetorical conditions to attack US forces in response to Israeli airstrikes in Aleppo Province.
At least 12 protests occurred in 12 cities across 12 provinces.
Israeli media reported that Saudi and Lebanese Hezbollah (LH) officials are considering holding talks to improve relations, citing an unidentified European official.
Details:
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-may-2-2023