Thousands Rally in Paris for Iranian Democracy, Rejecting Theocracy and Monarchy
Thousands of NCRI supporters rallied in Paris on February 8, 2025, to mark the 46th anniversary of Iran’s 1979 revolution and call for the downfall of the ruling theocracy. Demonstrators carried banners rejecting both monarchical and clerical rule, advocating for a democratic alternative. The event honored fallen freedom fighters and emphasized continued resistance against dictatorship.
Maryam Rajavi, NCRI’s President-elect, delivered the keynote speech, declaring that Iran’s regime is at its weakest. She reaffirmed NCRI’s commitment to a democratic republic, gender equality, and secular governance, urging world powers to support the Iranian people instead of engaging with Tehran.
Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt called for an end to the appeasement policy, reimposing UN sanctions, designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and recognizing the NCRI as Iran’s legitimate representative. Jean-François Legaret, former mayor of Paris’s 1st district, highlighted the regime’s vulnerability and supported Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for democracy. Ingrid Betancourt, former Colombian senator, condemned Iran’s human rights abuses and hostage-taking.
French MP Christine Arrighi noted that dictatorships inevitably collapse and praised Iran’s democratic opposition. Jacques Boutault, Deputy Mayor of Paris Centre, denounced Iran’s execution rate and supported Rajavi’s anti-death penalty stance. Zinat Mirhashemi, an NCRI member, reaffirmed the people’s right to resist oppression. Kak Baba Sheikh Hosseini, representing Iranian Kurdistan, emphasized Kurdish solidarity with the resistance.
In a video message, Colonel Riad al-Asaad, founder of the Free Syrian Army, expressed support for the Iranian people, drawing parallels between Syria’s and Iran’s struggles. Mahnaz Salimian, NCRI’s Senior Secretary, declared that the regime is internally fractured and nearing collapse.
Several NCRI supporters, including Rebecca Malihi, Arash Marandi, Dr. Sina Dashti, Milica Javdan, and Mona Forouzandeh, echoed calls for revolution and honored the sacrifices of young resistance fighters. Arvin Habibi praised the dedication of NCRI activists and dismissed alternative movements that sought to derail the revolution.
The rally reinforced a unified demand for regime change in Iran, emphasizing democratic governance and international support for the NCRI’s cause.
At Least “Twofold” Price Difference of Fruits Between Markets and Shops in Iran
As the Iranian New Year (Nowruz) approaches on March 21, the price gap between fruits and vegetables sold in municipal fruit and vegetable markets and those in retail shops across cities has significantly widened.
While these products are offered at more affordable rates in municipal markets, they are sometimes priced up to twice as much in retail shops.
The state-affiliated Borna news agency, reporting on price conditions, states that greenhouse cucumbers are sold at 430,000 rials per kilogram in municipal markets, whereas in city shops, the same quality and weight are priced at 750,000 rials. The exchange rate of the U.S. dollar is currently around 890,000 rials.
Sharp Rise in Food Prices in Iran, Statistics Center ReportsAdditionally, Persian limes are priced at 640,000 rials per kilogram in municipal markets but cost 1.44 million rials in the open market. This price discrepancy is evident in other products as well. For instance, lettuce costs 240,000 rials per kilogram in municipal markets but reaches 900,000 rials in shops. This price difference reflects a lack of adequate oversight of the supply and distribution chain. According to reports, the presence of multiple intermediaries in the distribution process adds extra costs, driving up the final price for consumers. Moreover, the lack of price transparency and the failure to display official price tags in city shops have led to retailers in different areas charging varying prices for the same products. The report further emphasizes that to address this issue, responsible authorities must implement continuous and stricter oversight. Proposed solutions include expanding chain stores, establishing online price-monitoring platforms, and supporting producers in selling their products directly to consumers. Otherwise, consumers will be forced to buy fruits and vegetables at exorbitant prices, despite the possibility of fairer pricing. Earlier reports from various Iranian media outlets indicated that the sharp rise in prices and declining purchasing power had led to the introduction of “installment-based purchases” for essential goods on Yalda Night (the Iranian winter solstice festival). Some reports noted that households from lower-income groups had either simplified their celebrations or entirely omitted them. The Eghtesad 100 website reported that poor economic conditions have left many families unable to afford fruits and festive snacks for the holidays.
Life in Iran on a Daily Income of Two Dollars
The Iranian regime’s Statistics Center states that 27% of Iranians live on a daily income of two dollars, meaning that one-third of the country’s population cannot afford the basic necessities of life. Additionally, the Global Hunger Index (GHI) indicates that 6.5% of Iran’s population suffers from malnutrition.
Meanwhile, Iranian citizens report that as the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar has surged to nearly 900,000 rials, the prices of essential goods have multiplied, forcing them to eliminate many other items from their household budgets.
The Statistics Center’s report pertains to January, when the exchange rate was around 795,000 rials per dollar. Given the current exchange rate, the real income of the same 27% of Iranians has now fallen below two dollars per day.
The Intensified Economic Crisis for Female Breadwinners in IranLow-income families are forced to switch to cheaper food items with each price surge. They replace red meat with chicken, then substitute chicken with eggs, and eventually resort to legumes and potatoes instead of eggs. The latest report from Iran’s Statistics Center indicates that more than one-third of food items consumed by Iranian households have seen price hikes ranging from 40% to 103% compared to January 2024. The steepest price increases have been in legumes and fruits. It should be noted that the Statistics Center’s report is based on official prices. For instance, the official price of one kilogram of potatoes is recorded at 320,000 rials, whereas in fruit and vegetable markets, potatoes are actually being sold for 360,000 rials. Some Tehran residents have even purchased potatoes at a rate of 600,000 rials per kilogram. If a four-member family wants to eat only egg sandwiches, they would have to spend half of their daily income. A citizen living in eastern Tehran is currently paying 200 million rials (approximately 236 dollars) in rent for an apartment, but a real estate agency has stated that the rent for this 60-square-meter apartment has now risen to 400 million rials. It is worth mentioning that the minimum wage for a worker with two children is currently around 130 dollars. Massoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian regime’s president, acknowledged the dire state of people’s livelihoods and high inflation on Monday, February 3, calling the situation unacceptable. He stated that some economic issues are beyond the government’s control. Despite this admission of powerlessness, he has promised that the government will take “good measures” before the Iranian New Year (March 21) to “ensure food security for the people.” Prices are generally higher in Tehran, but economic hardship and financial pressure on low-income families are also severe in underprivileged cities. For a long time, education has been a secondary priority for people, with food being the primary concern. Many families had already replaced various food items with legumes, but rising prices have now forced them to eliminate even that. The elimination of meat and eggs as protein sources has led to malnutrition for at least 6.5% of the country’s population. The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) places Iran between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. While Lebanon was engaged in military conflict during the review period, Iran has been suffering from malnutrition despite being in a state of peace. The state-affiliated newspaper Etemad recently reported that the actual figures might be even higher than indicated by the index: “Other studies show signs of malnutrition among Iranians, including 6% moderate underweight, 25% mild underweight, 3% severe stunting, 8% moderate stunting, 21% mild stunting, 1% severe thinness, 5% moderate thinness, and 20% mild thinness.” Ali-Asghar Maleki, head of the Mutton Meat Union, confirmed that with rising prices coinciding with the increase in the U.S. dollar exchange rate, the market has experienced a decline and stagnation. It appears that avoiding meat consumption is not limited to the 27% of the population earning less than two dollars per day but extends to a much larger segment of society. This situation has turned meat into a luxury item, affordable only for a small portion of Iranians. A large portion of a worker’s salary goes toward rent, leaving them to survive on 10 to 20 million rials (approximately 12 to 24 dollars) per month, mainly relying on bread, legumes, and potatoes. However, due to rising prices, even potatoes have recently been removed from workers’ diets. Some workers have long been substituting meat and chicken with chicken carcasses and feet. An analysis of the 2024 Global Hunger Index reveals that due to poor nutrition, 5.3% of Iranian children suffer from chronic malnutrition, resulting in stunted growth. The rising trend in prices, particularly the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, continues, and Iranian regime officials are not unaware of the economic pressures affecting Iranian families. Ali Khamenei, the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader, stated in August 2023 during a meeting with IRGC commanders, “We have passed through much of the difficult path despite its steep slope and are now approaching the peaks.” However, data from the Statistics Center shows that Iran’s “per capita national income” in 2023 declined by 20% compared to 2011. The report also indicated that in 2023, Iran had become even poorer than before, a reality that is increasingly evident across various economic indicators and statistics.
The Intensified Economic Crisis for Female Breadwinners in Iran
The state-run ILNA news agency reported on the economic crisis facing workers, stating that the situation is even more severe for female workers, particularly mothers who are the sole providers for their households. These women are burdened with mandatory overtime, extremely low wages, and a lack of basic legal protections.
ILNA, which is affiliated with the government-backed “Workers’ House,” quoted Simin Yaghoubian, a labor activist for female workers, as saying, “These days, female workers are not doing well at all.”
Yaghoubian stressed that female breadwinners are torn between worrying about basic survival and securing shelter or providing new clothes and shoes for their children ahead of the Persian New Year.
According to this labor activist, beyond the “termite of inflation,” wage suppression, and financial difficulties ahead of the New Year, mandatory overtime—despite being in violation of Article 59 of Iran’s Labor Law—also severely affects women. She stated that this is where women “experience the true taste of exploitation.”
She also highlighted the “lack of awareness” among female workers regarding their rights and labor laws, addressing the Minister of Labor and stating that employed women are exhausted by these injustices and discrimination.
Yaghoubian noted that government officials are unaware that more than half of the employed women in small workshops are deprived of all wage benefits, including food allowances, housing benefits, overtime pay, and weekend work compensation. Without support, they struggle with financial hardship, enduring immense suffering.
Statistical analyses indicate that women face discrimination in employment as well. The latest report from the Statistical Center of Iran shows that the economic participation rate of women in the spring of 2024 reached only 14.3%. Furthermore, an examination of unemployment rates across different age groups reveals that women over 30 generally experience lower unemployment rates compared to younger women.
Limited Access to Job Opportunities: The First Barrier Women Face in Iran’s Job Market
Limited access to job opportunities is the first major barrier that women face when entering the job market in Iran. Most women in the country are forced to choose between work and family, as workplace policies offer little support for balancing the two.
Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Iranian regime, stated on May 1, 2013: “The most important role that a woman can play—at any level of knowledge, education, research, or spirituality—is her role as a mother and a wife. This is more important than all other work she may do. This is a role that no one else but a woman can fulfill.”
The situation for male workers is not much better. Economic pressures have led a group of labor inspectors in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan province, to criticize low wages and harsh working conditions, expressing concern over the departure of skilled workers from the profession.
The state-run ILNA news agency quoted these inspectors as saying that labor shortages could worsen workplace safety conditions and lead to an increase in work-related accidents.
ILNA emphasized that there are approximately 830 labor inspectors in the country, more than 300 of whom are considering leaving the profession.
Educational Poverty in Iran Exacerbated by Structural Problems
Rezvan Hakimzadeh, Deputy for Elementary Education at the Iranian regime’s Ministry of Education, has stated that students suffering from “learning poverty” mostly come from low-income families and that their learning deficiencies need to be addressed.
The current situation in the education sector is a result of Iran’s educational policies, which, according to experts, have contributed to class divisions in education. In this context, Ali Jafari-Azar, a representative of Tabriz in the Iranian regime’s Majlis (parliament), has reported on the existence of “23 types of public schools.” He stated that the existence of these 23 types of schools has not benefited society and has instead created multiple negative effects, making the situation indefensible.
Iranian Officials Downplay the Number of Dropout StudentsAccording to the state-run ISNA news agency, Hakimzadeh emphasized that nationwide learning assessment statistics indicate that a significant number of elementary school students require additional effort in fundamental subjects. Hakimzadeh stressed that elementary education should focus on the comprehensive development and holistic growth of students. In November 2024, Hakimzadeh also stated that 40% of children entering school suffer from “learning poverty.” This Ministry of Education official also stated on February 5 that nearly 169,000 Iranian children have been deprived of elementary education, pointing to various challenges within Iran’s educational system. Ali Rabiei, the Iranian regime president’s social affairs aide, also stated on February 5 that nearly 49% of child laborers and street children in Iran have been deprived of education. Experts believe that poverty and the financial needs of low-income households have driven a large portion of students into the labor market instead of continuing their education. Jafari-Azar told the state-run Tasnim news agency that the diversity of public schools has several disadvantages. He noted that up until 25 years ago, there was only one type of public school, but later, due to a shortage of educational facilities, private and non-profit schools also began operating. According to some experts, in addition to educational policies, economic policies have also weakened the education system and discouraged students from continuing their studies. In this regard, the Shargh newspaper, in a report dated September 22, 2024, addressed this issue, stating: “Education has lost its economic function. Until 20 or even 10 years ago, education was the best opportunity for advancement and social mobility. However, today, a person with higher education cannot achieve upward social mobility.” The newspaper emphasized that “students consider dropping out of school and entering the labor market as a win for themselves, while studying and spending hours in the classroom is seen as a loss.” Data published by the Statistical Center of Iran also indicates that nearly one million students were unable to continue their education in the last academic year, with economic hardships being the primary reason for this phenomenon.
Negative Record in Iran’s Oil Exports; Consequences of Sanctions
On February 5, Mohsen Paknejad, the Iranian regime’s oil minister, claimed that the regime had recorded its highest oil exports in over a decade in January. This claim contradicts data from tanker tracking companies and international organizations.
These remarks by Paknejad came one day after former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order to “revive the maximum pressure policy” against the Iranian regime. On Wednesday, Paknejad claimed, “In January, we broke the record for oil exports in over a decade; we are announcing this news to make our people happy.”
On February 4, the tanker tracking company TankerTrackers announced that Iran’s daily oil exports in January stood at 1.567 million barrels. This figure is roughly in line with the country’s average oil exports in 2024.
Contrary to Paknejad’s claims, data from the commodity intelligence company Kpler shows that Iran’s oil exports in December were half of what they were in May 2018. At that time, the U.S. government, led by Trump, withdrew from the JCPOA, and Iran’s daily oil exports reached a record of nearly three million barrels.
Estimates by the advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran indicate that Iran’s daily oil exports in January were below 1.4 million barrels. Of this amount, only one million barrels were sent to China, while the rest went to unknown destinations. It is unclear whether these shipments had buyers or not.
At the same time as Pezeshkian’s oil minister claimed to have “broken a 10-year record in oil exports,” Reuters reported that Iran’s oil production had declined for the second consecutive month. In January, oil production fell by 60,000 barrels compared to December 2024.
Goldman Sachs, one of the largest financial firms in the United States, has predicted that with the reinstatement of the maximum pressure policy by the Trump administration, the production and export of oil by the Iranian government will experience a downward trend.
The remarks by the Iranian regime’s oil minister about record-breaking oil exports came after the signing of the “maximum pressure” order by Donald Trump on February 4.
Reuters reported that Trump has reimposed the maximum pressure policy against the Iranian government. This policy includes efforts to reduce the Iranian government’s oil exports to zero. Reuters quoted Trump as saying,
“With me, it’s very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” The U.S. also has the right to halt the sale of Iranian oil to other countries.
Since the signing of the order to reinstate the maximum pressure policy by Trump, the exchange rate of the dollar in the Iranian free market has increased by approximately 2%, and each U.S. dollar is now being traded at 860,000 rials.
The Iranian regime’s oil minister, referring to the sanctions, said: “We are always ready to offer solutions, and we will reach our goals.” He emphasized that if the sanctions continue, the strategies of the Iranian government will change. “We will not sit idly by.”
He added: “Maximum pressure is a failed theory.” He stressed that this policy will not succeed against the Iranian people. He said: “If they try maximum pressure again, they will fail once more.”
It seems that the statements and lies of the oil minister, following the implementation of maximum pressure, are more of a desperate attempt to reverse the situation facing the clerical regime.
Khamenei Rejects Talks with the U.S.; “No Problem Will Be Solved Through Negotiation”
Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Iranian regime, rejected negotiations with the U.S. over Tehran’snuclear program and sanctions relief, stating that talks with Donald Trump’s administration are “neither rational, nor wise, nor honorable.”
In a speech on Friday, February 7, addressing the commanders of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Iranian military, Khamenei referred to Trump’s previous administration’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the continuation of sanctions. He stated that negotiations with such a government “have no effect on resolving the country’s problems.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed willingness to negotiate with the Iranian regime, stated on February 5 that the United States seeks a verifiable nuclear agreement with Tehran that would allow Iran to achieve peaceful prosperity.
Trump also reiterated that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons and stated that immediate action is necessary to reach a new agreement. He added that once the deal is finalized and signed, “the Middle East will celebrate in a big way.”
However, Khamenei, in his latest remarks, stated, “Do not try to make us believe that if we sit at the negotiation table with that government, this problem or that problem will be solved. No, no problem will be solved through negotiations with the U.S.”
Flawed Economic Policies and Foreign Exchange Corruption in Iran; An Obstacle to Growth and Livelihoods
Hussein Selahvarzi, the former head of Iran’s regime Chamber of Commerce, revealed corruption in foreign exchange and the government’s flawed economic policies in an interview with the state-run media outlet Shafaqna on February 3. He believes that price controls and misguided Central Bank policies have not only created rent-seeking opportunities and corruption but have also had widespread negative effects on exports and the country’s trade balance.
Selahvarzi, referring to the recent foreign exchange crisis, stated: “In recent years, due to the establishment of unrealistic exchange rates, many have sought to gain the largest share of foreign currency resources. This unhealthy competition, especially under political pressure on the Central Bank, has led to increased corruption in foreign exchange and inefficiency in the economy.”
Corruption Allegations Surround Tehran’s Friday Prayer Leader Amid Factional StrugglesSelahvarzi further added: “One of the serious consequences of these flawed policies is the outflow of foreign currency from the country without it returning to the economic cycle. Last year, when the country faced a trade deficit of 16 to 17 billion dollars, approximately 9 billion dollars from export revenues did not return to the country, which is a clear example of foreign exchange corruption. This not only depleted the country’s foreign currency resources but also fueled currency market turmoil.”
Flawed economic policies have prevented the realization of 8% growth
Selahvarzi, criticizing the economic policymaking process, added: “Over the past four decades, seven development plans have been drafted, all targeting 8% economic growth. However, in practice, due to the lack of structural reforms, widespread foreign exchange corruption, and weaknesses in macroeconomic policies, we have never come close to this goal.” He further stated: “The only way to reduce corruption and prevent the wastage of foreign exchange resources is to ensure transparency in currency policies, eliminate price controls, and grant the Central Bank independence from political pressures. Otherwise, foreign exchange and economic crises will persist. This situation could inflict irreparable damage on the country’s economy, and any delay in reforms will lead to even heavier consequences.”Iran: $3.37 Billion Stolen in Latest Government-Linked Embezzlement CaseHowever, the current reality indicates that within the corrupt political structure imposed by the Iranian regime, talk of reforms is nothing more than an illusion. Foreign exchange corruption and the government’s flawed policies have had devastating effects on people’s livelihoods. The depletion of the country’s foreign currency reserves has led to an increase in exchange rates, which directly exacerbates inflation and price hikes. Rising production costs, declining purchasing power, and the depreciation of the national currency are among the destructive consequences affecting society. This situation has not only plunged low-income groups into a livelihood crisis but has also destabilized the business environment.
US Dollar and Gold Coins Hit Record Price Against Iran’s Rial
As the value of the rial continues to plummet, the exchange rate of the US dollar in Iran’s free market has reached a new record of 860,000 rials. Meanwhile, economic protests are ongoing, and reports indicate rising prices of essential goods.
According to reports on Thursday, February 6, the exchange rate of one US dollar in Iran’s free market has now surpassed 860,000 rials, while the euro is trading in the 890,000-rial range.
Reports also indicate that the price of a single gold coin has exceeded 690 million rials and is on the verge of entering the 70-million-toman range.
Iran’s Rial Continues to Plunge, Hits All-Time Low At 840,000 Against the DollarMeanwhile, news sources have reported that economic protests continue with the ongoing strike of third-party contract workers in the Lavan oil operations zone in Hormozgan province, as well as a protest gathering of medical staff in Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. According to news sources on February 6, the prices of essential goods, particularly rice and dairy products, experienced “severe fluctuations” on Saturday. According to the state-affiliated website Eghtesad News, the price of one kilogram of fresh slaughtered chicken in the market today exceeds 840,000 rials (approximately one dollar), while the price of one kilogram of bone-in lamb loin has been reported at 6.15 million rials (about 7.15 dollars). As Iran’s economic crisis intensifies, a member of the Iranian regime’s parliament has previously warned about the potential for famine in the country. The economic hardships faced by the Iranian people are deliberate and not merely due to mismanagement; all policies are detrimental to national interests. Why is inflation not controlled? The Iranian regime, as the most indebted economic entity, benefits greatly from inflation, as it reduces the real value of its debt. The priorities of the Iranian regime are regional interference and warmongering, as well as the suppression of its own people, rather than improving the livelihood of Iranians.
Amnesty International Urges Global Action to Stop Execution of Pakhshan Azizi
Amnesty International issued a statement calling on the international community to urgently demand that Iranian authorities halt the execution of Pakhshan Azizi.
The international human rights organization emphasized in its statement on Thursday, February 6, that Pakhshan Azizi was “arbitrarily” arrested by Iranian authorities due to her “humanitarian activities” and sentenced to death “following a grossly unfair trial.”
Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “Pakhshan Azizi was detained solely in relation to her peaceful human rights and humanitarian activities, including providing humanitarian support to women and children in northeast Syria who were displaced following attacks by the Islamic State armed group. Instead of facing imminent execution she should be immediately and unconditionally released.”
According to Ms. Eltahawy, “The Supreme Court’s decision to reject her request for judicial review highlights yet again how the Iranian authorities remain adamantly resolved to use death penalty as a tool of political repression to instil fear among the population.”
UN Experts Challenge Death Sentence of Iranian Political Prisoner Pakhshan AziziShe emphasized that “The death penalty is abhorrent in all circumstances”, referring to Ms. Azizi’s statements about “torture and other ill-treatment, including gender-based violence”, and described the issuance of the death sentence for this civil activist “after a grossly unfair trial before a Revolutionary Court” as “arbitrary,” which “illustrates yet again the Iranian authorities’ shameless disregard for the right to life.” Eltahawy emphasized that “Governments worldwide must speak out loudly now against this injustice to halt Pakhshan Azizi’s execution before it is too late.” Amir Raeesian, the lawyer for Pakhshan Azizi, stated on Thursday that Iran’s Supreme Court has rejected his client’s request for a retrial and that the stay of execution order has been revoked, warning that “her execution could happen at any moment.” On July 23, 2024, Pakhshan Azizi was sentenced to death and four years in prison by Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “armed rebellion through membership in opposition groups.” She had been arrested by Iranian intelligence forces in Tehran in the summer of 2023. A group of United Nations experts expressed deep concern on January 14, 2025, over the Iranian regime’s Supreme Court upholding Azizi’s death sentence. On its website, the UN Human Rights Council described the charges against Pakhshan Azizi as not meeting the threshold for “the most serious crimes” required under international law to justify a death sentence and stressed that her execution would constitute a serious violation of international human rights law. The upholding of the death sentence for Azizi has been met with widespread domestic and international criticism. In response, Kurdish cities in Iran witnessed a widespread strike by shopkeepers and businesses on January 21, protesting the death sentences of Pakhshan Azizi and another civil activist, Varisheh Moradi.
