Spanish Senate Unanimously Condemns Human Rights Violations in Iran

Esmaeil Mohades
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Spanish Senate Unanimously Condemns Human Rights Violations in Iran
In a significant political move, the Spanish Senate unanimously condemned executions and gross human rights violations in Iran, according to a report published by La Vanguardia. The resolution, which received broad support from various parties, affirmed Spain’s firm stance against the brutal repression exercised by the Iranian regime and its systematic violations of fundamental freedoms. The resolution passed without any opposition, reflecting the growing international concern regarding the Iranian regime’s treatment of political dissidents, activists, and ethnic minorities. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum expressed their condemnation of these violations, emphasizing the need for a strong and unified response to Tehran’s practices. Broad Political Consensus Against Iran’s Violations This resolution was issued amid a tense political atmosphere in Spain, where debates over financial policies and governance dominate parliamentary discussions. Nevertheless, lawmakers managed to unite in their opposition to Iran’s human rights violations. One senator stated, “Spain must take a clear stance against the atrocities committed by the Iranian regime; our silence would mean complicity.” The unanimous vote sent a strong message to the Iranian regime’s leaders, demanding an end to executions and compliance with international human rights obligations. Escalating Repression in Iran The Spanish Senate’s decision comes at a time when international concerns about the rise in executions and continued repression of opposition figures in Iran are mounting. Human rights organizations have reported a sharp increase in state-sanctioned executions targeting political activists, ethnic minorities, and women’s rights defenders. A Spanish legislator affirmed, “This is not just a legal issue; it is a moral responsibility,” highlighting the systematic repression practiced by the Iranian regime to intimidate its citizens. Spanish senators stressed that Iran’s violations extend beyond executions, encompassing arbitrary detentions, torture, and suppression of freedom of expression—practices that have alarmed the international community. “The Iranian people are suffering under one of the most repressive regimes in the world,” said one parliamentarian. “We cannot turn a blind eye to their suffering.” International Repercussions Spain’s condemnation of Iran’s human rights record aligns with broader international efforts to hold Tehran accountable. The European Union and the United Nations have repeatedly criticized Iran’s human rights abuses and imposed sanctions on Iranian officials involved in executions and political repression. “We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people,” a senator declared. “They deserve justice, dignity, and the right to live without fear.” Lawmakers also urged the Spanish government to coordinate with European and international partners to exert diplomatic pressure on Tehran. A Spanish official added, “Our foreign policy must reflect our commitment to human rights, and Iran’s leaders must realize that the world is watching them.” A Symbolic yet Powerful Step Although the resolution is not legally binding, it carries significant political weight. Spanish political leaders emphasized that defending human rights transcends party differences. “Our message to the Iranian regime is clear: stop the executions, end the repression, and respect human rights,” a legislator asserted. The Spanish Senate also expressed its support for Iranian civil society, including human rights defenders and activists risking their lives for change. “These brave individuals are fighting for their fundamental freedoms,” a senator noted. “They should know that the world stands with them.” This resolution reinforces Spain’s broader commitment to defending human rights globally, positioning the country among the most vocal critics of oppressive regimes. A Spanish lawmaker concluded, “Iran’s leaders must understand that their actions have consequences and that the international community will not remain silent.” As global condemnation of Iran’s human rights violations intensifies, the Spanish Senate’s unanimous decision serves as a strong rebuke of the Iranian regime, reaffirming the need for continued international vigilance and action to stop the ongoing repression.  

Iranian Regime Accelerates Uranium Enrichment to Concerning Levels

Hoshang Amiri
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Iranian Regime Accelerates Uranium Enrichment to Concerning Levels
A new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reveals that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade levels, has significantly increased, with no progress made in resolving outstanding disputes. The IAEA states that since Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. elections, Iran’s regime has accelerated its uranium enrichment to levels close to those required for nuclear weapons production.
Iran Escalates Nuclear Rhetoric as U.S. Reinstates ‘Maximum Pressure’ Campaign
According to this confidential report, obtained by the Associated Press on Wednesday, February 26, Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium had reached nearly 275 kilograms by February 8—an increase of 92.5 kilograms since November 2024. The IAEA report states that approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, if further refined to 90% purity, would be theoretically sufficient to produce a nuclear bomb. At this rate, Iran’s high-purity uranium stockpile, as of February 8, could provide enough material to build more than six nuclear bombs. Thus, in just the past three months, Iran’s regime has increased its 60% enriched uranium stockpile by 50%. The IAEA’s new quarterly report, prepared for the agency’s Board of Governors, further states that Iran’s significant increase in high-enriched uranium production and accumulation—making it the only non-nuclear state producing such material—is a serious concern. Iran’s 50% surge in high-enriched uranium stockpiles over the past three months comes after a growth of only 11% in the previous quarter. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, warned on February 14 that the Iranian regime plans to increase its uranium enrichment speed “sevenfold” and that time is running out to reach an agreement to contain Iran’s nuclear program. On February 20, he also called the JCPOA “ineffective” and likened it to “a hollow shell,” which triggered a reaction from Iranian regime officials, who dismissed his remarks as “biased and unprofessional.” In addition to 60% enrichment, Iran’s regime is also enriching uranium at 3.5% and 20% levels. The IAEA report states that Iran’s total uranium stockpile across all these enrichment levels has reached nearly 8,295 kilograms, marking a 25% increase compared to three months ago. Tehran officials have yet to provide an explanation for the purpose of enriching uranium to 60%—a level very close to what is needed for nuclear weapons—only stating that the Iranian regime abandoned its nuclear commitments due to the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA.
Grossi: The JCPOA Is an Empty Shell
Meanwhile, for several years, the IAEA has been unable to persuade the regime to provide a reasonable explanation for traces of uranium found at its undeclared sites. In response to U.S. sanctions, the Iranian regime has also restricted the IAEA’s access to surveillance camera data at its nuclear facilities and has limited the entry of certain international inspectors for several years. The IAEA’s Wednesday report also noted that Iran has not reversed its September 2023 decision to ban some of the agency’s most experienced inspectors from entering the country.  

Iran’s Social Security Debt to Medical Centers; Dialysis Patients at Risk of Death

Jubin Katiraie
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Iran’s Social Security Debt to Medical Centers; Dialysis Patients at Risk of Death
Amid the worsening drug crisis, Azam Panahi Mehr Isalou, the director of Iranian regime’s Kidney Association, warned that disruptions in the treatment of dialysis patients could quickly lead to severe complications and even death. In a report by the state-run ILNA news agency, Panahi Mehr stated, “Some medical centers, due to the social security organization’s debts, refuse to accept these patients’ insurance, and the cost of each dialysis session has reached 20 million rials.” Panahi Mehr emphasized that the psychological stress caused by high costs and lack of access to treatment has affected the lives of patients and their families. She said, “Patients whose survival depends on dialysis are now facing serious concerns.” Expressing concern over the pressures on patients, she added, “Dialysis patients, who need four hours of dialysis every other day to survive, have repeatedly visited the association during this period, asking us what they should do.”
70 Dialysis Patients Dead In Iran Due To Contamination
Panahi Mehr stressed that economic hardships have severely impacted the mental and emotional well-being of patients and their families. She stated, “Many of these patients cannot work due to their physical condition, and their lives are entirely dependent on dialysis. When they realize they must pay an amount they cannot afford to stay alive, they experience anxiety and despair.” The director of the Kidney Association warned about the dangers of missed dialysis sessions, stating, “If a patient does not receive dialysis on time, fluids will accumulate in their body, particularly in the lungs and limbs. This can lead to respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.” Panahi Mehr added that fortunately, no reports of death due to dialysis disruptions have been received so far, but she emphasized that this situation is unsustainable and must be resolved immediately. Meanwhile, Mohammad Jamalian, a member of the Iranian regime’s parliamentary Health and Treatment Commission, announced the beginning of overdue payments from the social security organization to medical centers. He stated, “The outstanding payments to dialysis centers will be settled between February 28 and March 5, and we expect medical centers to cooperate accordingly.” On the other hand, Mehdi Pirsalahi, the head of Iran’s Food and Drug Administration, described the country’s pharmaceutical situation as concerning during a conference in Ahvaz. He stated, “Ensuring strategic reserves of medicine and medical equipment for the next six months faces serious challenges, and sufficient financial resources have not been allocated for it.” Pirsalahi added that out of the one billion dollars allocated, only 300 million dollars have been used to settle debts, while 700 million dollars have been designated for consumable reserves, which is insufficient. Pirsalahi emphasized that one of the main issues in the pharmaceutical sector is the provision of foreign currency and liquidity for domestic manufacturers. According to him, delays in payments to pharmacies have prevented some manufacturers from acquiring raw materials. The official stated, “The drug shortage in the country is primarily due to improper pricing, which has led some companies to halt production.” Despite claims of allocated financial resources, concerns about securing essential medicines persist. Pirsalahi, referring to the finalization of the list of vital drugs, added, “Our focus is on providing essential medicines and medical equipment, but additional resources are required to fully secure the reserves.” Health experts have warned that the ongoing rise in drug prices, coupled with increasing poverty, could lead to more severe crises in Iran’s healthcare sector. As insurance providers struggle to cover costs and prices continue to rise, many patients face serious challenges in obtaining the medications they need.  

Prisoners Across Iran Launch Hunger Strike in Protest Against Widespread Executions

Sia Rajabi
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Prisoners Across Iran Launch Hunger Strike in Protest Against Widespread Executions
In a coordinated protest against Iran’s escalating execution rate, prisoners in 37 detention facilities across the country have launched a hunger strike, coinciding with the fifty-seventh week of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign. With executions and systemic repression on the rise, a group of detainees in Qazvin’s Chobindar Prison declared their participation in the hunger strike as a stance against the unjust capital sentences imposed on both political and non-political prisoners. In a statement, they announced their intention to join the broader campaign on Tuesday, February 25, and continue their strike until Iran’s execution machinery is halted. The statement from the prisoners explicitly condemns the surge in executions, particularly following the conclusion of government ceremonies in the Persian Calendar month of Bahman (January 20 – February 18), which marks the anniversary of the 1979 revolution. According to their report, during February 19 – 20, 17 prisoners were executed, including 10 individuals hanged in Qezel Hesar Prison. This matches reports from the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which has stated that that in just two days—February 19 and 20—at least 14 prisoners were executed in Ghezel Hesar, Mahabad, Amol, Isfahan, and Bushehr prisons. The execution wave has continued relentlessly, with at least 850 executions recorded during the tenure of the regime’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, as part of the regime’s systematic strategy to instill fear and suppress dissent. Beyond executions, the statement also highlights the deteriorating conditions inside Iran’s prisons, warning that inmate deaths are not solely due to capital punishment. In the past week alone, three prisoners in Urmia, Lajevardi of Iranshahr, and Dehdasht reportedly died due to inadequate medical attention. “This situation threatens the lives of many other prisoners,” the statement reads. “The death of sick prisoners due to lack of timely medical care is nothing but ‘systematic murder.’” The prisoners also expressed grave concern over the fates of political detainees Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani, whose retrial requests have been denied by the Supreme Court, placing them at imminent risk of execution. Similar concerns were raised for other detainees, including Pakhshan Azizi and Verisha Moradi in Evin Prison and Sharifeh Mohammadi in Lakan Rasht Prison. The “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign had previously warned that the appointment of Jafar Montazeri—formerly Iran’s Attorney General—as the new head of the Supreme Court would further entrench judicial repression. Montazeri’s background in overseeing security institutions within the judiciary, the campaign asserts, has led to a concerted effort to manipulate legal proceedings and reinforce Revolutionary Court verdicts without due process. “This appointment fully demonstrated the inefficiency of this body in providing fair trials,” the statement declared. The campaign reaffirmed its commitment to opposing capital punishment and pledged to continue advocating for its abolition in Iran. It called upon human rights defenders, political and civil activists, trade unionists, and the global community to amplify the voices of those on death row and work collectively to end executions in Iran. As the hunger strike unfolds, the international human rights community will be watching closely to see how the Iranian authorities respond to this growing resistance from within the nation’s prison walls.

Women Leading the Fight: Global Conference Calls for a Free and Democratic Iran

Sia Rajabi
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Women Leading the Fight: Global Conference Calls for a Free and Democratic Iran
On February 22, 2025, in Paris, the international conference “Women, Force for Change – Free Iran 2025” brought together global leaders, activists, and human rights advocates to address the struggle of Iranian women against systemic oppression. Held ahead of International Women’s Day, the event served as a powerful platform to condemn the Iranian regime’s discriminatory laws and highlight women’s leadership in the fight for democracy. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), delivered a compelling keynote address, paying tribute to Iranian women who have defied oppression for decades. She described their fight against compulsory hijab, enforced religion, and repressive governance as a battle for human dignity. Rajavi emphasized that the Iranian regime, propped up by religious fascism and nuclear threats, cannot withstand the determined will of its people. Her call to action urged the international community to stand with the Iranian resistance and support the movement for a free, democratic society. The conference featured a series of powerful speeches from former heads of state, members of parliament, and women’s rights advocates. Sarvenaz Chitsaz, Chair of the NCRI Women’s Committee, stressed that gender equality is inseparable from Iran’s broader struggle for democracy. She argued that true change requires elevating women into leadership roles to dismantle the deep-rooted structures of misogyny in Iranian society. Former French Minister of State Michele Alliot-Marie declared that “discrimination against women is enshrined in [the Iranian regime’s] law and will remain so until the regime changes.” She called for a national uprising, stating that the Iranian government’s reckless nuclear program poses a major threat to global security. Former Ecuadorian President Rosalía Arteaga Serrano expressed hope for a democratic Iran, praising Maryam Rajavi’s leadership as a force capable of transforming the country. She affirmed her commitment to Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, which envisions a secular, democratic Iran where human rights are fully respected. Former Finnish Prime Minister Anneli Jäätteenmäki highlighted the persistent legal and social discrimination faced by Iranian women in education, employment, and political participation. She pointed to the 2022 protests as a defining moment, proving that Iranian women are determined to secure full social, economic, and political freedoms. Former Colombian Senator Ingrid Betancourt honored Iranian women’s resistance, declaring, “There’s no place on earth I would rather celebrate Women’s Day than here.” She emphasized that the NCRI is “the only organization where women are at the core of leadership”, a fact that sets it apart from other movements. Linda Chavez, former director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, praised Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, comparing it to the American Bill of Rights. She stated that true change in Iran must come from within, as the Iranian people themselves must rise up and reclaim their country. Dominique Attias, Chair of the European Lawyers Foundation, honored Mariam Akbari Monfared, a political prisoner who has spent over fifteen years behind bars for her activism. Attias hailed weekly protests, hunger strikes, and other acts of defiance as evidence that Iranian women’s resistance cannot be broken. Candice Bergen, former Conservative Party leader in Canada, revealed that over 650 female leaders from 80 countries, including former heads of state and Nobel laureates, had signed a statement of support for Iranian women’s struggle. She called on international institutions to pressure Iran into abolishing its misogynistic laws. Cherie Blair, President of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, delivered a video message denouncing Iran’s repressive policies. She highlighted the case of Maryam Akbari Monfared, imprisoned for seeking justice for her siblings who were executed during the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners. Blair urged the global community to stand in solidarity with Iranian women demanding freedom and justice. Other influential figures echoed the urgent need for change. Baroness O’Loan denounced the state-sponsored executions and imprisonment of women in Iran, while Theresa Villiers, former UK MP, criticized the country’s harsh legal restrictions on marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Dorien Rookmaker, former Dutch MEP, spoke about the power of digital activism in fighting Iran’s authoritarian rule, while German MPs Katja Adler and Sandra Weeser emphasized that Iran’s oppression of women is not just a domestic issue but a global concern. Italian MP Naike Gruppioni paid tribute to the women of Ashraf 3, a community of Iranian dissidents in Albania, describing them as symbols of unwavering resistance. Former Irish Deputy Leader Catherine Noone compared Iran’s struggle for democracy to Ireland’s own historical fight for freedom, urging sustained international pressure against Tehran. Former Portuguese Minister of National Defense Helena Carreiras reinforced the idea that nations that suppress women ultimately fail, calling for global solidarity in amplifying the voices of Iranian women. British Olympic champion Sharron Davies drew a parallel between gender discrimination in sports and the oppression of Iranian women, urging the international sports community to take a stand. Carmen Quintanilla, a former Spanish senator, reaffirmed her support for Maryam Rajavi’s Twelve-Point Plan, calling it a comprehensive roadmap for democratic reform in Iran. Former Tunisian Minister Sihem Badi declared that dictatorships fall, but the struggle for freedom endures, emphasizing the unbreakable resilience of women fighting for their rights. As the conference concluded, speakers emphasized the importance of sustained international pressure to hold Iran’s ruling regime accountable for human rights violations. There was a unanimous call for blacklisting the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and supporting Iranian women as the vanguard of the country’s democratic transformation. The resistance movement is gaining momentum, with global leaders, activists, and human rights organizations uniting in their support for a free and democratic Iran. As one speaker put it: “2025 must be the year of a free Iran.”  

Protests Continue as Iran’s Regime Neglects Teacher’s Woes

Jubin Katiraie
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Protests Continue as Iran’s Regime Neglects Teacher’s Woes
While the issues faced by teachers and instructors at Farhangian University persist, the Iranian regime’s policies have focused more on altering educational content and expanding state propaganda in textbooks rather than addressing the financial and legal crises of teachers. According to the state-run ILNA news agency, instructors at Farhangian University are protesting the “unfair implementation” of salary equalization and the lack of wage increases. A total of 2,500 retired instructors from this university, who are covered by the National Pension Fund, have been excluded from any salary increases.

Equalization or Elimination of Retirees’ Salaries?

Anoushiravan Hajian, a representative of retired instructors at Farhangian University, told ILNA that “the equalization formulas have been implemented unfairly, and in some cases, salary increases for instructors have amounted to zero.” He emphasized that despite continuous follow-ups, none of the officials have taken responsibility for this “wage injustice.”
The Teacher Shortage Crisis in Iran and the Decline in Student Performance
This retired instructor, with 35 years of teaching experience, stated that he has received no salary increase and that all attempts by instructors to appeal to the Pension Fund and the parliament have been unsuccessful. He added, “In 2020, the salaries of non-faculty instructors were not increased, and now, in the equalization process, we have been completely ignored.”

Teachers’ Protests and Continuous Repression

The financial difficulties faced by teachers, retirees, and instructors at Farhangian University are only part of a larger educational crisis in Iran. In recent months, widespread protests by teachers have taken place across the country, where they have voiced their grievances over low wages, lack of attention to insurance and benefits, and the poor conditions of schools and educational facilities. Nevertheless, the Iranian regime’s response to these protests has not only been indifference but also repression. Many teacher union activists have been arrested and threatened, and no tangible improvements have been made in their legal or welfare conditions.
Iran’s Teachers Working at Low Wages and Without Insurance
While teachers’ dissatisfaction with their financial and legal conditions has reached its peak, the Iranian regime’s education policies have primarily focused on altering textbook content and promoting state ideology rather than addressing these concerns. In recent years, under the orders of Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Iranian regime, extensive changes have been made to school curricula, including the removal of scientific and historical topics and the increase of ideological propaganda in textbooks, while teachers’ infrastructural, legal, and financial issues have been ignored. These policies reflect the priorities of the ruling system, which, instead of improving the quality of education and the conditions of teachers, has focused on ideological indoctrination of students.

Injustice in Teachers’ Salaries

Despite government promises to improve teachers’ conditions and implement salary equalization plans, evidence suggests that these programs have had little to no impact on the lives of teachers and instructors. Many instructors at Farhangian University continue to live on meager salaries without job security. A total of 2,500 instructors with master’s and doctoral degrees are waiting for their employment status to change, but experience has shown that the Iranian regime, in practice, does not prioritize improving teachers’ conditions. As long as teachers’ financial difficulties remain unresolved, protests and dissatisfaction will persist.  

53% Inflation in Imported Goods: Economic Crisis and Governance Failure in Iran

Hoshang Amiri
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53% Inflation in Imported Goods: Economic Crisis and Governance Failure in Iran
The Iranian regime’s Statistical Center, in its latest report, announced that the prices of imported goods increased by 53.8% in the four quarters leading up to autumn 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. This figure, which reflects an unprecedented rise in inflation in the imported goods sector, is yet another clear indication of the economic crisis and the failure of the Iranian regime’s economic management. According to this report, the overall price index for imported goods reached 827.2 in autumn 2024, marking a 15.1% increase compared to the previous quarter and a 64.8% rise compared to the same season last year. This surge in prices has occurred despite repeated claims by the government that it has control over the market, yet economic realities contradict these assertions.
USD Surpasses 940,000 Iranian Rials as Inflation Accelerates
Economic experts have consistently emphasized that the Iranian regime’s currency and customs policies, instead of stabilizing the market, have themselves become the primary drivers of instability and rising prices. Ill-advised policies such as artificial price controls, preferential currency allocations for imports, and a lack of oversight over customs processes have led to increased import costs, which are ultimately passed on to the final consumer. A crucial point is that official statistics released by the state-run institutions in Iran are always met with skepticism by independent experts. The state-run Statistical Center of Iran acknowledged in its report that these figures are based on preliminary data from the Customs Administration and may be revised later. Experience has shown that such revisions are usually aimed at concealing the severity of the economic situation. Moreover, in the past, economic data from the government have often been delayed in publication or altered for political and propaganda purposes. As a result, the figures provided by government institutions today do not necessarily reflect the actual state of the country’s economy, and the real inflation rate for imported goods is likely even higher than the reported number.

The Consequences of Severe Inflation in Imported Goods in People’s Lives

The skyrocketing increase in the prices of imported goods has serious consequences for people’s livelihoods. Given that many essential goods, including medicine, raw materials for production, industrial machinery, and even certain food items, are imported, the 53% rise in import inflation will significantly raise the cost of living for the people.
Simultaneous Rise in Inflation and Theft in Iran
On the other hand, the rising cost of imported raw materials will directly lead to higher prices for domestic products, more factory closures, reduced employment, and increasing poverty. In this situation, the regime has not only failed to provide any effective solutions to control the crisis but, according to many experts, continues to worsen inflation and rising prices with its “misguided policies.”

The Iranian Regime’s Economic Management: The Main Cause of the Crisis

The root cause of Iran’s economic crisis is not foreign sanctions but rather corruption, mismanagement, and the structural inefficiency of the Iranian regime. While Iran’s neighboring countries are experiencing economic growth and development, the Iranian regime remains trapped in failed economic policies that lead only to a decline in public welfare and a widening class divide. Meanwhile, the regime’s unscientific and monopolistic policies, along with interference from security and military institutions in the economy, have not only caused stagnation and inflation but have also destroyed market competition and driven capital out of the country. Under such circumstances, according to many independent observers, expecting any improvement in the economic situation while this inefficient system of governance remains in place is nothing more than an illusion.

A Dark Future Awaits Iran’s Economy

The recent report from the Statistical Center of Iran only reflects part of the dire economic reality of the country. Given the current trajectory, inflation, rising prices, and declining purchasing power will intensify in the coming years. The Iranian regime, which has consistently failed to address economic crises, has only deepened this crisis with its policies. In these conditions, the Iranian people become poorer by the day, businesses collapse, and economic inequalities continue to rise.  

Iran’s Power Outage Crisis and Its Impact on Industry and Employment 

Esmaeil Mohades
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Iran’s Power Outage Crisis and Its Impact on Industry and Employment 
Frequent power and gas outages in Fars province, like in other provinces of Iran, have created serious challenges for producers and workers, especially in the industrial sector. What was previously an issue during summer has now extended into winter, leading to factory shutdowns and workforce reductions. According to the state-run ILNA news agency, power outages have forced many industries—especially energy-dependent sectors such as steel, petrochemicals, cement, and food production—to partially or completely halt their production lines.
Power Outages and Widespread Blackouts in Tehran
To compensate for this shortfall, some industries have resorted to using diesel generators; however, this solution comes with high costs and environmental consequences.

Small Industries Suffer the Most

Bahram Zanoobi-Tabar, the head of the Coordinating Council of Islamic Labor Councils in Fars province, warned about the risk of layoffs and industrial closures, stating that “small industries are the most affected by power and gas outages. These problems have created serious challenges for both employers and workers, jeopardizing their job security.” He added, “Reduced production, declining productivity, rising costs, damage to machinery, customer dissatisfaction, and financial problems are among the main challenges that employers are facing.” Zanoobi-Tabar also stressed that frequent production interruptions have led to decreased output, delays in order deliveries, and, in some cases, irreversible damage to sensitive equipment.

Economic Growth Affected by Power and Gas Outages

Jamal Razaghi, the regime’s vice president of the Fars Chamber of Commerce, told ILNA that “according to statistics provided by the head of the Economic Commission of the Iranian regime’s Majlis (parliament), power outages during this summer caused the country to lose one-third of its economic growth. Now, with gas shortages in addition to electricity cuts in winter, the damage in this period will be even greater than in the first half of the year.”
Iran Faces Worsening Power Shortages as Officials Contradict on Electricity Crisis
Razaghi stated that the country’s economic problems stem from broader foreign policy decisions and the lack of support for the private sector. He emphasized that handing over the economy to the private sector and reforming economic policies could help prevent the worsening of the crisis.

The Impact of Power Outages on People’s Livelihoods

One of the most significant consequences of declining economic growth is the sharp decrease in people’s purchasing power. Razaghi stated that even if production continues, the decline in people’s purchasing power will push the market into recession. He said, “Industries face difficulties in selling their products even if they continue production. Even if we assume that power and gas outages have no impact on industrial activities, people’s inability to afford goods will further deepen the crisis in the industrial sector.” This economic expert also pointed to the increasing tax burden on the private sector, saying, “It is not possible to run one part of the country through special privileges while placing all economic pressures solely on the private sector.” “The government, in an attempt to compensate for budget deficits and pay pensions, has increased tax and social security pressures on production units, which has further aggravated the difficulties faced by industries.” Continuous Power and Gas Outages Have Both Economic and Social Consequences Zanoobi-Tabar warned that factory closures or reduced working hours, lower wages, increased workload, and job insecurity are direct consequences of this crisis for workers. He emphasized that prolonged factory shutdowns will ultimately lead to workforce reductions and widespread unemployment. Zanoobi-Tabar added, “Power and gas outages cause serious harm not only to employers but also to workers, leading to widespread economic and social repercussions.” With the ongoing energy crisis in the country, the production and employment sectors are at serious risk. Experts have warned that if the Iranian regime fails to reform its broader economic policies, this crisis could lead to widespread industrial shutdowns, rising unemployment, and a deepening of people’s livelihood difficulties.  

Iran’s Negative Agricultural Trade Balance

Mehdi Hosseini
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Iran’s Negative Agricultural Trade Balance
Reza Nourani, the head of the Iranian regime’s National Union of Agricultural Products, told the state-run ILNA news agency that the country’s agricultural trade balance remains negative this year. Referring to the 10-month statistics up to January 2025, he stated that agricultural imports have significantly exceeded exports.

Export and Import Statistics

According to Nourani, during this 10-month period, approximately 8.356 million tons of agricultural products worth $6.662 billion were exported from the country. In comparison, during the same period last year, exports amounted to approximately 6.834 million tons, valued at $4.946 billion. Therefore, export volume increased by 22%, and its value rose by 34%.
Decline in Rice Production and Rising Prices in Iran Amid Inflation Growth and Public Protests
On the other hand, agricultural imports during the same period reached 20.224 million tons, valued at $13.117 billion. These figures indicate a 5% decrease in import volume and a 12% decline in value compared to the previous year.

Negative Trade Balance

By comparing these statistics, Iran’s agricultural trade balance remains negative. Nourani emphasized that this situation reflects the dominance of imports over exports in the agricultural sector. One of the major challenges in the agricultural trade sector is the widespread smuggling of almonds and walnuts into Iran. According to the state-run Fararu website, about 90% of walnuts and almond kernels enter Iran illegally through the country’s southern ports, particularly Ganaveh, Bandar Abbas, and Bushehr. As reported by this source, in addition to harming domestic producers, the lack of health inspections on these products could pose a risk to consumer health. Massoud Soleimani, Secretary of the Iranian Association for Nut, Dried Fruit, and Spice Supply and Packaging, stated: “Currently, 40,000 tons of walnuts and 50,000 tons of almonds are smuggled into the country. This not only generates enormous profits for the smuggling mafia but also inflicts serious damage on domestic suppliers and producers.” Nourani, referring to the ban on importing certain products such as almonds and walnut kernels, stated that these restrictions have led to an increase in smuggling. He stressed that revising trade and import policies could help prevent smuggling and improve the country’s trade balance. However, the inefficiency of the governance system remains the root cause of all the crises affecting Iranian society.  

Iranian Political Prisoner Mehdi Hassani Faces Imminent Execution After Supreme Court Rejects Retrial Request

Mehdi Hosseini
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Iranian Political Prisoner Mehdi Hassani Faces Imminent Execution After Supreme Court Rejects Retrial Request
Daughter of Iranian political prisoner Mehdi Hassani: My father could be executed at any moment Maryam Hassani, the daughter of Mohammad Hassani, a political prisoner sentenced to death, has announced that the Supreme Court has rejected her father’s request for a retrial. On Sunday, February 23, she wrote on X: “According to my father’s lawyer, his retrial request has been rejected, and his execution could be carried out at any moment.” Mehdi Hassani’s execution had previously been halted after the Supreme Court accepted his lawyer’s request for a retrial. Mr. Hassani, born in 1976, is married and the father of two children. He was arrested on September 9, 2022, in Zanjan while attempting to leave the country and was subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.
Iranian Regime Sentences Two Political Prisoners to Death
He, along with another prisoner named Behrouz Ehsani, was sentenced to death in mid-September 2024 by Branch 26 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. They were charged with “rebellion (Baghi), waging war against God (Moharebeh), and corruption on earth (Efsad fil-Arz).” Other charges against them include “gathering classified information, conspiracy and collusion against national security, and membership” in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).  
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