Jamaran, the state-run news agency of the Iranian regime, recently published an article highlighting the regime’s unparalleled growth challenges. The article features the opinions of several regime MPs who share their thoughts on the future of the country, revealing a grim and ominous outlook. According to Mojtaba Yousefi, “Foreign policy has a significant impact on currency prices, leaving us isolated like a remote island when sanctions persist and there is no new news about JCPOA and FATF.”
2022 was a year fraught with difficulties for the regime. It faced the most challenging protests in its 43-year reign, an economic crisis, and the fear of being overthrown. The new year brings with it the same crisis and no apparent solution for the regime.
The regime succeeded temporarily in overcoming and surviving the protests. But it is facing the growing fury and resistance of the people. Especially the women are not obeying the regime’s medieval dress code laws. That is why it was forced to threaten the women.
“The removal of the veil is tantamount to hostility towards (our) values,” said the regime’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, according to reports from several regime media. Those “who commit such abnormal acts” would be punished and “prosecuted without mercy.”
Last Thursday, the regime’s Interior Ministry described the headscarf as “one of the civilizing foundations of the Iranian nation” and appealed to citizens to confront unveiled women.
Regarding the regime’s crisis, Jamaran added: “In the new year, the government will face serious challenges in the field of livelihood and economy; The major challenges, which are attributed to various factors, such as not employing marginalized experts and mismanagement in various administrative departments, which of course has caused people’s concern and protest until today.”
Regarding the significant challenges to people’s livelihoods, another MP of the regime stated, “Given that over a year has passed since the formation of the 13th government, they cannot overlook the livelihood basket plan and must prioritize the basic needs of the people. I strongly believe that at the very least, bread should remain on the table and not be taken away from them.”
Finally, the parliament members highlight the primary challenges, which they consider to be the most perilous for the regime. They assert, “We must use all of our resources to prevent the security, military, and economic challenges that our enemies have planned for us. It is crucial that we do not lose the support of the people.”
Jamaran goes on to address the significant challenges the Iranian people face regarding access to drinking water and agricultural water. It cites another representative of the regime who warns, “I must emphasize the significant challenge we will face in the agricultural sector in 2023 due to the issue of water scarcity. While we are already facing a lack of rainfall this year, the real crisis will come next year when we will be struggling to provide enough drinking water and water for agriculture.”
The regime’s representative in Mahabad sheds light on the upcoming challenge for the regime – the growing lack of trust and rational relationship between the regime and the people. He asserts, “If this challenge is left unaddressed, it will lead to an ever-widening trust deficit that must be tackled from a societal standpoint. Failure to act may result in the further expansion of this gap, potentially leading to significant social upheaval.”
The representative of Mahabad highlights the looming economic challenge, warning that “Inflation and cost of living will surge in the coming year. The government’s proposed budget is unrealistic, and despite the denials by some members of parliament and the government, we are facing a budget deficit of nearly 400 trillion tomans. Unfortunately, this budget deficit will undoubtedly be borne by the people, exacerbating the struggles of the already impoverished population.”
Jamaran’s conclusion suggests that, with input from various lawmakers and analyses, the 13th government should be given more time to regain the trust and hope of the people. However, the reality is that the regime’s opportunity to improve conditions and regain the people’s trust has long since passed.
The main reason for this is the regime’s brutal response to peaceful protests, resulting in the deaths of over 750 individuals and the arrest of more than 90,000 others. It is no wonder that the people have little trust in the regime.
