Continued Suspension of Iran-Lebanon Flights; Rising Tensions in Beirut
The Lebanese government has indefinitely extended the suspension of incoming and outgoing flights to and from Iran, a decision taken following a U.S. warning about the potential targeting of these flights by Israel.
On Monday, February 17, the Lebanese government announced the indefinite extension of the flight suspension. Previously, the restriction was set to last until February 18, but according to Najat Sharaf al-Din, the spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency, the ban will remain in place until further notice.
Without specifying a potential timeline for lifting the ban, Sharaf al-Din stated: “The Minister of Public Works and Transport has been tasked with extending the suspension of flights to and from Iran.”
This decision follows a warning from the United States to Lebanon that Israel may target Iranian aircraft attempting to land in Beirut.
A Lebanese security source told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that after the ceasefire on November 27 between Hezbollah and Israel—brokered by Washington—concerns grew regarding the possible transfer of weapons from Iran to Lebanon through Beirut’s airport.
Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of using the airport to receive military equipment from Iran, an allegation that Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have consistently denied.
Hezbollah’s Reaction and Street Protests
The Lebanese government’s decision has sparked strong reactions from Hezbollah and its supporters. Following the announcement of the flight ban, Hezbollah sympathizers blocked access roads to Beirut International Airport in protest.
Najat Sharaf al-Din stated that the Lebanese government had instructed security forces to prevent road blockages near the airport and to enhance security measures for all incoming and outgoing flights.
Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, condemned the government’s move, calling it “the implementation of an Israeli directive.”
Amid the protests in Beirut, a United Nations (UNIFIL) convoy was attacked near the airport on Friday. During the incident, one of the UN vehicles was set on fire, and two peacekeepers were injured.
The attack has raised international concerns about escalating tensions in Lebanon. While Lebanese authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, analysts believe that the rift between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government is deepening.
Stranded Lebanese Citizens in Iran
As a result of the extended flight suspension, some Lebanese citizens currently in Iran are facing difficulties returning home. The Lebanese government has stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is actively working on the matter and coordinating efforts to facilitate the return of Lebanese nationals from Iran.
The decision to extend the suspension of Iran-Lebanon flights is one of the most sensitive measures taken by the Beirut government in recent months. Not only has it provoked strong reactions from Hezbollah and led to street protests, but it has also intensified Lebanon’s internal tensions.
The U.S. warning regarding Israeli threats has further heightened concerns over potential regional escalations. Meanwhile, the attack on the UN convoy and the ongoing protests in Beirut suggest that Lebanon is once again on the brink of a security crisis.
Sharp Rise in Food Prices in Iran; Meat and Rice Lead the Surge
Red meat prices in Tehran’s market have risen significantly, with some items reaching unprecedented rates. According to the state-run news agency Eghtesad Online, the price of boneless lamb loin in Tehran stores has reached 10 million rials (approximately $11) per kilogram. Additionally, lamb fillet, priced at 18 million rials (approximately $19.5), has set a record as the most expensive cut of red meat.
Meanwhile, veal is also considered an expensive item, priced at 9.2 million rials (approximately $10) per kilogram. This is while online stores list prices significantly higher than those announced by the Sheep Meat Union.
Red Meat Consumption In Iran Has Fallen Below 600,000 Tons Per YearThe recent increase in red meat prices has caused considerable concern among consumers. Economic experts cite supply shortages, rising livestock farming costs, and currency market fluctuations as key reasons behind this surge. Previous reports indicate that red meat prices in Iran have been on the rise in recent years. In February 2024, data from Iran’s Statistical Center showed that red meat had the highest inflation rate among the country’s ten essential food items, with a 93% price increase. Additionally, in November 2023, the head of the Sheep Meat Union stated that livestock shortages were the main cause of the price hikes. The continuous rise in red meat prices has led to a decline in its consumption among Iranian households. This drop in consumption could have negative consequences for public health. In recent months, the food basket has experienced a new inflation rate of at least 30%, and in recent days, a 25% increase in intercity bus ticket prices has been approved. According to these statistics, one-third of food items saw a price increase of 30% to 50% over the past year, while one-fourth experienced price hikes exceeding 50%.
Reports of a Sharp Increase in Rice Prices in Iran
Following the increase in the price of Iranian rice to 2 million rials (approximately $2.2) per kilogram or even higher, the Tehran Agricultural Jihad Organization announced the distribution of rice at lower prices to “regulate the market.” In this regard, the state-run newspaper Tejarat News reported on Saturday, February 15, that the rice market in Iran “has experienced severe price fluctuations in recent days, with prices in some cases exceeding 2 million rials per kilogram.”Decline in Rice Production and Rising Prices in Iran Amid Inflation Growth and Public ProtestsLast week, the Minister of Agriculture, on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, addressed the issue, stating that rice prices are “artificial.” He attributed the situation in the rice market to “hoarding.” Mehdi Younesi, the governor of Mazandaran province, also acknowledged that the rice market in the country is in a “stormy state.” According to Tejarat News, rice prices have increased significantly over the past four months, with statistics indicating an 83% rise in rice prices during this period. Additionally, the price of Tarom rice has risen by 44%. In November 2024, Shahrokh Sharifi, the head of the Tehran Supermarkets and Protein Products Union, cited not only high inflation but also the rise in the exchange rate of the dollar as key factors behind the increase in the prices of essential goods. According to the state-run Fars News Agency, Iran requires around one million tons of rice imports annually, but this year, only about 500,000 tons have been imported. Demand for rice in the domestic market increases ahead of Ramadan and the Nowruz (Persian New Year) holidays. It is worth noting that the minimum wage for a worker with two children is approximately $120 per month.
Continued Student Protests in Iran; Protesters: We Didn’t Sacrifice Lives to Compromise
As student protests continue following the killing of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi in Tehran, several student organizations have expressed their support for the demonstrations. Protesters at the University of Tehran gathered, chanting, “If we don’t unite, we’ll be killed one by one,” calling for student solidarity.
The protesting students also chanted, “Students are awake, they despise tyranny,” and “We didn’t sacrifice lives to compromise, nor to praise the murderous official.”
A group of students at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran also marched, chanting, “We don’t want spectators, join us,” and “Shout, student, cry out for your rights,” encouraging other students to join the protests.
Iran: Students Protest Dormitory Poisoning with a Sit-InSeveral student organizations and associations issued statements condemning the killing of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi. For instance, a group of students from Allameh Tabataba’i University stated in a declaration that “this incident not only highlights the existing insecurity in educational institutions but also further exposes the irresponsibility and incompetence of university administrators and relevant authorities.” The statement further emphasized that “the government is currently incapable of ensuring any aspect of security—economic, social, or psychological—for the people” and that “its only sustained strategy is widespread and systematic repression.” It also noted that “poverty and social inequality have fueled crime in society, affecting even university campuses.” The student organization stressed that “we will not remain silent in the face of repression,” referencing the student sit-in at the University of Tehran’s dormitory complex. They stated that the Iranian regime’s response to “this peaceful protest” has been to “securitize the university environment” in an effort to “turn the campus into a stage for suppression and intimidation.” However, they asserted that “today, the University of Tehran is crying out a truth that will resonate throughout society.” Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, a 19-year-old undergraduate student in business management at the University of Tehran, was fatally stabbed by “muggers” near the university on Wednesday night. His death has sparked widespread reactions across Iran, with student protests at the University of Tehran continuing for the past four days. Hussein Simayee Sarraf, the regime’s Minister of Science, apologized following the widespread student protests. He also claimed that no one was arrested during the students’ protest at the university dormitory on Friday night. This claim comes amid reports that the protest turned tense due to the intervention of plainclothes agents, with several students being arrested.
Rising Suicides in Tehran Metro; Lack of Safety Measures and Economic Crisis
While suicides in Tehran’s metro stations remain a serious issue, official statistics in this area have not been updated for over a decade. Experts believe that the lack of proper safety measures, such as platform screen doors, plays a significant role in prolonging this crisis.
The state-run Khabar Online website, in an investigative report on the lack of safety measures in metro stations, noted that based on 2014 statistics, between 17 and 18 people per year attempted suicide in Tehran’s metro stations.
The report adds that subsequent studies have shown an increasing trend in these numbers over the years. However, no updated statistics have been released, and many of these incidents are officially reported under the label of “unauthorized entry into the rail area.”
The first recorded case of suicide in the metro dates back to March 2005, when an 18-year-old girl took her own life at Beheshti station.
Iran: Two Teenage Girls Commit Suicide Due to School Authorities’ MistreatmentBetween 2007 and 2012, multiple cases of suicide were reported in various metro stations. In 2014, a middle-aged woman at Vali Asr station and a man on metro Line 4 ended their lives. This trend continued into the 2010s; in September 2016, a 40-year-old man at Enghelab station threw himself onto the tracks, and in February 2017, a 28-year-old woman lost her life at Azadi Square station. These incidents have persisted in recent years. In March 2024, an 18-year-old youth attempted suicide at Janbazan metro station, and in August 2024, a 30-year-old woman at Ibn Sina station was severely injured after being struck by a train. The report highlights the Tehran Municipality’s neglect of safety measures, noting that many metro stations lack platform personnel who can activate the emergency stop button during critical moments. One of the metro train operators stated, “The shortage of staff has not only increased the likelihood of suicides but has also led to other issues such as passengers forcibly closing train doors, street vending, and even smoking inside stations.” Furthermore, the absence of physical barriers, such as protective doors, has made it easy for anyone intending to commit suicide to access the tracks without any obstacles. While many countries have successfully reduced metro suicides through preventive measures, in Tehran, such solutions have been stalled for various reasons, and no clear plan has been proposed to address this crisis. However, the root causes of youth suicides in Iran are none other than poverty and the increasing repression by the government, which pushes young people toward suicide.
Nurses and Retirees Hold Strikes and Protests in Iran Over Economic Hardships
Economic protests in Iran continued on Sunday with a strike and gathering of nurses and healthcare staff at Milad Hospital in Tehran, as well as demonstrations by retirees in several provinces.
According to reports on social media on Sunday, February 16, in addition to the strike by Milad Hospital’s healthcare staff and a protest gathering by its nurses and employees in Tehran, a group of retirees also gathered in protest against economic conditions in the provinces of Isfahan, Khuzestan, and Kermanshah.
Nurses and staff at Milad Hospital in Tehran, protesting the lack of response to their demands and the worsening economic crisis, chanted: “Without nurses, the system collapses,” and “Where did our tariffs go? Look whose pockets they filled.”
Protests by Various Groups of People in Iranian CitiesThe nurses’ strike at Milad Hospital, now in its third day, is in protest against the reduction of base wages in their pay slips and overall economic hardships. The protesters have demanded the resignation of officials. Simultaneously with the nurses’ strike in Tehran, a group of retirees from the steel and mining industries gathered in Isfahan. Protesting retirees in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, chanted, “How long will you keep lying to the nation?” as they voiced their opposition to the Iranian regime’s officials. Retiree protests also took place in Kermanshah. The protesters, chanting “From Kerman to Tehran, the killing of our children,” reacted to the death of Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, a 19-year-old student at the University of Tehran, as well as the deaths of several students in a school trip bus accident. Protesting retirees in Shush, another city in Khuzestan province, expressed their frustration with economic conditions by chanting, “Inflation and high prices are the people’s disaster.” Amid a sharp rise in inflation and currency exchange rates, the minimum cost of a household’s essential living expenses has surpassed 300 million rials (approximately $323), while the minimum wage for a worker with two children is around $120. Economic conditions in Iran have triggered protests from various professional groups, including workers, teachers, and retirees. The expansion of professional group protests—including retirees, industrial workers, teachers, defrauded investors, and nurses and healthcare workers—reflects the worsening economic struggles in Iran and the neglect of the regime’s officials.
Simultaneous Rise in Inflation and Theft in Iran
While experts emphasize the direct link between economic crises and rising crime rates, an Iranian regime official admitted, following the release of official data, that “economic problems have a direct connection to the rise in social harms.”
According to the state-run Jamaran website, an analysis of data from Iran’s Central Bank and statistics presented in Chapter 15 of the National Statistical Yearbook for 2021 reveals a direct and simultaneous correlation between rising inflation and the rate of theft in the country.
Unprecedented Inflation And Rising Prices In Iran’s Food MarketThe report indicates that economic recession, unemployment, inflation, and household financial conditions play a decisive role in the occurrence of crimes. Additionally, rising inflation and its negative consequences have directly contributed to social disorders and increased crime rates—an issue consistently raised by independent experts who have warned of the repercussions of ignoring it. Mohammad Bathaei, Deputy Minister of Interior and head of the Social Affairs Organization, acknowledged the link between people’s livelihood struggles and the rise in social harms, stating, “For some types of social issues, the economic situation of the people has a strong correlation with their increase.” He claimed, “At least in some cases, it is necessary to improve the country’s economic situation in order to control these harms.” However, evidence suggests that the Iranian regime has taken no tangible steps to control inflation, reduce poverty, or create sustainable employment. Instead, misguided economic policies and an inefficient governance system continue to exacerbate these issues. One of the most controversial aspects of analyzing social harms is the absence of official reports since 2016. In response to the question of why the Ministry of Interior has not released a report on the country’s social conditions in recent years, Bathaei promised that the “Social Conditions Report” will be published by the second quarter of 2025 in collaboration with two reputable universities. This delay in publishing reports comes at a time when inflation and unemployment have worsened, and the rates of theft and other social crimes have increased. Another key point in Bathaei’s remarks was linking social harms to the presence of foreign nationals, particularly Afghans, in Iran. While Bathaei stated in another part of his speech that “these two issues should not be linked,” he simultaneously emphasized that “the Ministry of Interior’s policy is to first expel unauthorized foreign nationals in an appropriate manner.” Referring to the “re-entry of deported foreign nationals,” this senior government official added, “Therefore, the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, law enforcement, and other relevant agencies, is making determined efforts to remove unauthorized foreign nationals from the country.” Despite repeated statements from social experts that the main causes of social harms are domestic economic crises, systemic corruption, and failed government policies, regime officials continue to blame “foreign nationals” to conceal their inability to provide for the population and their structural failures in addressing social issues.
Massive Demonstration in Munich Calls for a Firm Stance Against Iran’s Regime
Munich, February 14, 2025 – Amid freezing temperatures of -12°C, hundreds of Iranian Resistance supporters held a large demonstration near the Munich Security Conference (MSC2025), urging European leaders and international policymakers to adopt a firm stance against Iran’s regime.
The demonstrators, supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), called for an end to Western appeasement policies toward Iran’s regime and demanded the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Additionally, they stressed the urgency of reinstating UN Security Council resolutions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, warning of Tehran’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons as a threat to regional and global stability.
Calls for a Shift in Western Policy
Holding banners and chanting slogans, the protesters denounced the Iranian regime’s domestic repression, regional destabilization efforts, and nuclear ambitions. Their demands focused on three key points:- A fundamental shift in Western policies toward Iran – Protesters rejected any engagement that grants legitimacy to the regime and urged European governments to adopt a firm approach toward Tehran.
- Reinstating UN Security Council resolutions on Iran’s nuclear program – They called for full activation of the “snapback mechanism” to counter Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
- Blacklisting the IRGC – The demonstrators urged the EU and the UK to officially designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity, emphasizing its role in repression and terrorism.
Rejecting All Forms of Dictatorship
Beyond their demands for a firm international stance, the protesters made it clear that they reject both the ruling theocracy and any return to monarchy, chanting: “Down with the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Mullahs.” They called for a secular, democratic republic in Iran. Meanwhile, a group of prominent German figures issued a statement urging world leaders at MSC2025 to support the Iranian people’s struggle for democracy. “We denounce the clerical dictatorship for its oppressive governance and human rights abuses, and we also reject the dictatorship of the former Shah,” they wrote, stressing the importance of standing with Iranians fighting for freedom. The signatories also expressed support for the Free Iran Rally in Paris on February 8, which carried the slogan: “No to the Dictator, be it the Shah or the Mullahs, Yes to a Democratic Republic.” They endorsed the 10-point plan of NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi, which has received backing from over 4,000 MPs and 137 former world leaders, as a blueprint for a free Iran. Calling on governments worldwide to recognize the Iranian people’s right to self-determination, the statement concluded: “The time for change is now; the people of Iran deserve freedom, justice, and democracy.”Iran’s Economic Crisis; Dollar Above 1,000,000 Rials and the Risk of Political Instability
Hossein Raghfar, an economist who has held positions in reformist administrations of the Iranian regime, predicted that the exchange rate would exceed 1,000,000 rials per US dollar based on the correlation between currency value and gold coin prices. He emphasized that this situation is “fuel for regime overthrow.”
In an interview with the state-affiliated website Didban Iran, Raghfar discussed recent turmoil in Iran’s foreign exchange market. He dismissed the possibility that the government was speculating or manipulating currency exchange rates for profit, stating, “The government currently has no foreign currency reserves to inject into the market […] The government has no power.”
The Devaluation of Iran’s Rial Has AcceleratedHe added that previous currency interventions had already taken place and emphasized, “National interests have been sacrificed for the benefit of oligarchs and mafias.” Raghfar’s remarks come just two weeks after the heads of the three branches of government approved the transfer of Iran Khodro’s management—despite widespread criticism and the explicit opposition of the Competition Council—to a conglomerate owned by two families convicted of financial crimes. Previously, the Iranian regime’s Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, had personally endorsed the transfer of Iran Khodro, the country’s largest automobile manufacturer, to the Krouz family after consulting with Hamid Keshavarz Tuchaei, a businessman accused of economic corruption. Raghfar further warned that the continuation of these conditions would undermine the country’s political foundations. He stated, “The economic and social foundations have long been eroded, and from now on, we should expect the political foundations to suffer even greater damage than they already have.” On February 6, former Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, in his last periodic meeting with his cabinet ministers, had issued warnings about dealing with Donald Trump and the dangers of making poor decisions. He stated that the Iranian regime was in a critical situation and that a single mistake could destroy everything. Raghfar, a professor of economics at Alzahra University, noted that the exchange rate could reach 1,000,000 rials per dollar or even higher. He explained, “There is evidence for this scenario. Currently, four billion dollars’ worth of gold imported from abroad is being sold at exchange rates of 1,100,000 to 1,200,000 rials per dollar.” He emphasized, “When this gold is converted into coins, the exchange rate is calculated at approximately 1,100,000 rials per dollar.” On February 9, the exchange rate in Iran’s free market reached a historic high of 940,000 rials per dollar. In conclusion, Raghfar described the country’s situation as a “disaster” and stressed, “In my opinion, this is fuel for regime overthrow, and foreign elements are intensely active in this area. Their agents and operatives are strongly present in the media, academic institutions, and decision-making centers.” Raghfar’s statements come as another major challenge facing the Pezeshkian administration is the impending increase in gasoline prices. Since 198990, after Khamenei assumed leadership of the regime, successive governments have increased gasoline prices on average every two years across 15 different occasions until 2019. However, for over five years since November 2019, gasoline prices have remained unchanged. Evidence and statements indicate that the government and parliament of the regime plan to at least change the gasoline rationing system by Nowruz 1404 (March 21, 2025). On February 7, former interior minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, in a televised program, warned about this issue, stating, “Today’s situation is far more concerning than in 2019.” He emphasized, “The gasoline issue is no longer merely economic; it has become political, social, and security-related.” In 2019, after gasoline price hikes, widespread protests erupted across Iran, resulting in the Iranian regime killing 1,500 protesters.
As Widespread Poverty Grips Iran, Household Expenses Continue to Rise
With one month left until the end of the Iranian year, the minimum cost required for a household’s subsistence basket has surpassed 300 million rials (approximately $323). Meanwhile, Iran’s Welfare and Family Health Deputy at the Khomeini Relief Committee announced a “40% increase in financial aid” for the committee’s beneficiaries in the coming year. He stated, “The monthly allowance for a three-person household will be 28 million rials, and for a four-person household, it will be 35.77 million rials (approximately $30 to $39).”
The Spread of Poverty in IranHowever, some experts believe that the recent surge in the exchange rate, surpassing 900,000 rials per U.S. dollar, will drive inflation to 50% in the coming year. They estimate that the minimum cost of a household’s subsistence basket will rise to 450 million rials (approximately $484) in major cities. According to the state-affiliated website Didban Iran, the Welfare and Family Health Deputy of the Khomeini Relief Committee stated that more than 4.776 million people are under the support of this organization, with most households consisting of one or two members. He further stated that in the coming year, based on the 2025 budget law and the 40% increase in financial aid, the allowance for a single-person household will rise from 10 million rials to 14 million rials (approximately $11 to $15). The allowance for a two-person household will increase from 14.2 million rials (approximately $15) to 19.88 million rials (approximately $21.3). This official from the Khomeini Relief Committee also stated that the monthly allowance for a three-person household will be 28 million rials (approximately $30), and for a four-person household, it will be 35.77 million rials (approximately $38.5). With the 40% increase factored in, families of five or more will receive 44.1 million rials (approximately $47.5) in the next Iranian year, starting on March 21. The promotion of this financial aid increase comes while the households under the support of this committee, which is affiliated with the Iranian regime, lack the ability to earn an income. Furthermore, the latest report from the Iranian Statistics Center on January inflation states that the prices of one-third of food items have increased by 30% to 50%, while one-fourth of food items have risen by more than 50%. Additionally, the latest report from the Iranian Statistics Center indicates that out of 53 selected food items in urban areas, 27 items have experienced a price increase higher than the year-on-year inflation rate in cities. Meanwhile, as the deadline for setting the minimum wage for workers in the coming year approaches, employer representatives and the government are attempting to keep wage increases below 30%. Iran’s economic conditions have led to protests by various labor groups, including workers, teachers, and retirees. Over the past 46 years, one of the world’s wealthiest countries has been looted by Iran’s rulers, plunging millions into poverty and misery. Instead of addressing these crises, Iran’s leaders allocate the nation’s revenues to domestic repression and regional conflicts.
U.S.: Under ‘Maximum Pressure,’ Iran’s Oil Exports Will Again Be Reduced to 100,000 Barrels Per Day
Scott Bessent, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, stated on Friday, February 14, that the United States intends to implement a “maximum pressure” policy to reduce Iran’s oil exports to 100,000 barrels per day.
In an interview with Fox Business, he stated that the Iranian regime is currently exporting between 1.5 million and 1.6 million barrels of oil per day, using the revenues to finance its terrorist activities worldwide.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary emphasized that the Trump administration is committed to reducing this figure back to 100,000 barrels per day, as had been achieved by the end of Trump’s first term.
Scott Bessent stated that China and possibly India are purchasing Iranian oil despite the sanctions, calling this unacceptable.
U.S. Congress Proposal to Push Three European Countries to Trigger Snapback Mechanism Against IranThe U.S. Treasury Secretary added that imposing maximum pressure on the Iranian regime and reducing its daily oil exports to 100,000 barrels would put the already fragile Iranian economy—grappling with massive inflation and a severe budget deficit—under even greater financial strain. In connection with this, a group of U.S. lawmakers introduced a new resolution calling for the reinstatement of strict United Nations sanctions against the Iranian regime, accusing its officials of repeatedly violating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to Fox News, this resolution, which has bipartisan support in the U.S., urges the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to swiftly activate the “snapback mechanism” through the United Nations Security Council and reimpose sanctions on the Iranian government. On Tuesday, February 4, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating the maximum pressure campaign against Iran, with the full text available on the White House website.
