February 2025

Public discontent. On February 9^th during the 46^th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, protestors in several Iranian cities—including Tehran, Karaj, Mashhad, Arak, and Kermanshah—voiced strong opposition to the Islamic Republic. Instead of the usual chants of “Allahu Akbar,” demonstrators shouted slogans like “Death to the Islamic Republic,” “Death to the Dictator,” and “Death to Khamenei the Murderer.” Videos from various neighbourhoods captured the widespread discontent across different social groups, with protestors condemning the regime’s violent history and its clerical establishment. Meanwhile protests over the death of a 19-year-old University of Tehran student continue to intensify amid a heavy security presence on campus. The student, Amir Mohammad Khaleghi, was fatally attacked near a dormitory, sparking anger among students who accuse university officials of neglecting campus safety. Demonstrators staged sit-ins and chanted slogans blaming the government and security forces for years of inaction and unsafe conditions, with some even directing their anger at the IRGC and the Islamic Republic. Although several students were briefly arrested during the protests, nationwide solidarity has grown as students from other universities and prominent figures like exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi have voiced support. In response, university authorities have announced plans to install surveillance cameras and security kiosks, and government officials have called for an investigation into the incident, all occurring amid a broader backdrop of economic crisis and political tension in Iran.
Threats to nuclear sites. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that if enemies manage to destroy 100 of Iran’s nuclear sites, the nation’s youth and scientists would rebuild 1,000 more, underscoring the resilience of the country’s nuclear program. His comments came amid reports of potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. The president emphasized that while buildings could be targeted, the expertise and determination of Iran’s scientists could not be erased. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump hinted at preferring diplomatic solutions over military strikes to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and Iran’s air force reiterated that the country’s doctrine remains defensive, though it would retaliate forcefully against any enemy attack.
Corruption perception index. Iran has fallen to its lowest corruption ranking yet, placing 151^st out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index with a score of 23 out of 100. This score, derived from 13 different surveys by various institutions, reflects widespread issues such as misuse of public power, bribery, and lack of accountability. Iran’s performance is lower than Iraq’s but slightly better than Lebanon’s, while countries like South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela scored the lowest. Additionally, a 2023 World Bank report ranked Iran among the worst globally in governance, especially in terms of political participation, free expression, and media freedom.
Air quality. Tehran now suffers from nearly constant toxic air, with fewer than ten days of clean air recorded last year. While air pollution in Tehran isn’t new, its severity has escalated due to factors such as low-quality gasoline, reliance on poor-quality fuel oil (‘mazut’) for power, and chronic shortages of refined gas—exacerbated by inefficiencies and sanctions. Outdated public transport forces many to rely on inefficient, unsafe vehicles, which not only contribute to severe air pollution but also result in thousands of traffic fatalities annually. The health impacts are dire, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, prompting some residents to leave the city despite the difficulties of relocating. Similar issues plague other cities like Isfahan, where environmental degradation, including the drying of the Zayandeh Roud river and surrounding heavy industry, has made urban living nearly unbearable.
Energy crisis. Former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri has demanded that officials responsible for Iran’s energy crisis be dismissed, arguing that the widespread power outages this winter could have been prevented even without the nation’s oil and gas resources. Speaking at the Energy Imbalance and Solutions Congress, Jahangiri criticized the lack of emergency measures—such as importing diesel to keep power plants running—which he believes would have avoided the current situation and public humiliation. He warned that ongoing mismanagement could lead to even more severe disruptions in the future. The energy crisis has sparked public anger and sporadic protests across the country, with demonstrators in towns like Dehdasht and at the University of Tehran, as well as in cities including Shiraz, Yazd, and Tehran, voicing their frustration over power outages and rising living costs. Protesters have increasingly targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling for his removal amid a broader critique of the government’s failure to manage the crisis. These power shortages, which have led to school and government office closures, are attributed to high gas consumption and limited supplies, despite Iran holding the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves—a resource that is underproduced due to outdated technology and a lack of investment.
Hostage diplomacy. The family of two British nationals, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, detained in Iran during a round-the-world motorbike trip, has expressed deep concern and is working with authorities to secure their safe return. Detained in Kerman on unspecified security charges, the couple had planned a brief five-day visit as part of their journey toward Australia, with Lindsay also conducting a research project on what constitutes a good life. The British Foreign Office confirmed the detentions, and British Ambassador Hugo Shorter met with them at the local prosecutor’s office.
Beirut flight ban. Lebanon has barred Iranian airlines Mahan Air and Iran Air from flying to Beirut following allegations by Israel that Iran’s IRGC Quds Force is using civilian flights to smuggle money to Hezbollah via Beirut International Airport. Israel claims that funds meant for arming Hezbollah and launching attacks against Israel have been covertly transferred using these flights. In response, Lebanese authorities have also begun inspecting incoming flights from Iraq to prevent further transfers. The decision has sparked protests by Hezbollah supporters at Beirut Airport and comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon over ceasefire violations and mutual accusations of military breaches.