December 2023
German Police Arrest Three More on Suspicion of Plotting Attack on Cologne Cathedral
German police have arrested three additional suspects linked to a plot to attack the Cologne Cathedral on New Year's Eve, following the arrest of a…
Hengaw Report on Human Rights Situation in Iran in 2023: Over 2300 Citizens Arrested and at Least 823 Executions
In 2023, the Hengaw human rights organization reported that Iran arrested over 2300 citizens and executed at least 823 prisoners, highlighting ongoing state violence against…
Kaveh Madani Responds to Claims of 'Cloud Theft' at Iran's Border: It's for 'Conveying Fantastical Stories'
Kaveh Madani has publicly refuted claims of 'cloud theft' by Turkey, asserting that such allegations are unfounded and used to distract from Iran's water crisis.…
Another Protester’s Case Sent to 'Execution Branch'; Mojahid Korkori at 'Risk of Execution'
Mojahid Korkori, a protester sentenced to death in Iran, has had his case sent to the execution branch, raising concerns about his imminent execution. His…
Continued Houthi Attacks on Ships; 'Maersk' Halts Red Sea Passage for 48 Hours
Houthi militants attacked a Maersk container ship in the Red Sea, prompting the company to suspend operations for 48 hours. The U.S. has responded by…
Playing with Gasoline, to the Government's Advantage on the People's Field; 15-Liter Quota for All with Secondary Market Coming
A new gasoline distribution plan in Iran proposes a 15-liter monthly quota for households without cars, funded by cutting quotas for those with multiple cars.…
33% Decrease in Iran's Exports to Turkey
Iran's exports to Turkey have decreased by 33% in 2023, while Turkey's exports to Iran have increased by 7%. The Iranian Minister of Economy has…
Iran Human Rights Organization: Two Afghan Prisoners Executed in Karaj Central Prison
Two Afghan prisoners were executed in Karaj Central Prison, with their identities and charges remaining unconfirmed. This incident highlights ongoing human rights concerns in Iran,…
Twelve Million Singles in Iran; Rising Marriage Age and Ineffectiveness of Population Growth Policies
Iran's Ministry of Sports and Youth reported that 12 million singles exist in the country, highlighting unresolved issues in youth marriage despite government efforts to…
Narges Mansouri's Hunger Strike in Evin Prison; She Says Ali Khamenei is Responsible for Her Life
Narges Mansouri, a labor activist in Iran, has gone on a hunger strike in Evin Prison, stating that her life is now the responsibility of…
Mowlavi Abdolhamid: The Iranian Nation Was Once Wealthy; The Policies Governing the Country Must Change
Mowlavi Abdolhamid, a prominent Sunni cleric in Zahedan, criticized the Iranian government's policies for worsening living conditions and rising poverty. He urged the authorities to…
Islamic Republic-Linked Parties Win in Iraqi Provincial Council Elections
Islamic Republic-affiliated parties won a significant majority in Iraq's provincial council elections held on December 18, marking a critical moment in Iraqi politics. This election,…
Freedom Committee for Cecile Couleur: 600 Days Since Her Arrest in Iran
Cecile Couleur, a French trade union activist, has been imprisoned in Iran for 600 days, prompting calls for her release from various organizations. The situation…
Concerns of Lebanese Analysts About Lebanon's Future; Can the Army Contain Hezbollah?
Lebanese analysts express concern over the future stability of Lebanon following the reappointment of Joseph Aoun as army commander amid escalating tensions with Israel and…
Figaro: Hassan Nasrallah Informed 'Half an Hour Before' Hamas Attack
Hassan Nasrallah was informed shortly before Hamas's attack on Israel, highlighting the close ties between Hezbollah and Hamas. The ongoing conflict in Gaza escalated after…
Exclusive: 10 Days of Uncertainty for Yekta Fahendaj Saadi After Arrest in Shiraz
Yekta Fahendaj Saadi, a Baha'i citizen, has been detained in Shiraz for 10 days without contact with her family, raising concerns about her health. Her…
Steel Workers on Fifth Day of Strike: If Our Problem Is Not Solved, Ahvaz Will Be Catastrophic
Steel workers in Ahvaz are on their fifth day of strike, demanding solutions to their grievances. The Ministry of Labor has urged them to pursue…
Reactions to Khamenei's 'Plea' for Elections: The Legitimacy of the Government is at its Lowest Level
Ali Khamenei's recent comments about women's roles in encouraging electoral participation highlight the government's awareness of public disillusionment ahead of the parliamentary elections. Analysts note…
The United States Expresses Concern Over IAEA Report on Iran
The U.S. has expressed serious concerns over the IAEA's report indicating Iran's increased production of high-enriched uranium. This escalation occurs amid ongoing destabilizing activities by…
Several Explosions Occur in Red Sea Shipping Route Near Yemen's Coasts
Several explosions were reported near Yemen's coasts in the Red Sea, linked to drone and missile sightings. The incidents raise concerns about maritime security and…
Continuation of Livelihood Protests with Retirees Gathering in Kermanshah and Municipality Workers in Tehran
Protests over economic conditions continue in Iran, with retirees gathering in Kermanshah and municipality workers in Tehran demanding accountability for delayed salaries. The ongoing strikes…
Media in Iran: No Bail Set for 'Tataloo'
Iranian media have refuted claims that bail was set for singer Amir Tataloo, who is currently in custody on charges related to promoting corruption and…
Concerns Over Zeynab Jalalian's Health in Yazd Prison; This Political Prisoner is Deprived of Medical Care
Zeynab Jalalian, a political prisoner in Yazd, is facing severe health issues and has been denied medical care, raising concerns about her vision and overall…
Accusation of 'Group Formation' Against Manouchehr Bakhtiari; His Trial Held via 'Video Conference' in Prison
Manouchehr Bakhtiari, father of a protest victim, faces new charges of 'forming a group' while still imprisoned. His family is under pressure from the regime,…
Ukrainian Army: We Shot Down 28 Shahed Drones
The Ukrainian army reported shooting down 28 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia, which caused damage in several regions. This incident highlights the ongoing military…
54% Increase in Housing Prices Since Last Year and 2% Decrease from Last Month; Experts Say It's 'Temporary'
The Central Bank reported a 54% increase in housing prices over the past year, despite a recent 2.2% decrease. Experts attribute the price drop to…
Islamic Jihad Joins Cairo Negotiations; Palestinian Casualties Increase
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with over 20,000 Palestinians reported killed. Islamic Jihad has joined negotiations in Cairo for a…
Continued Financial Corruption in Iran; Traces of 'Mafia' in Importing Two Million Tons of Rice with Cheap Currency
Two Iranian parliament members have revealed ongoing corruption in rice imports, alleging that two million tons of rice were imported using subsidized currency while local…
Consequences of Poverty in Healthcare; 150 Emergency Room Escapes Recorded Monthly at a Tabriz Hospital
Poverty in Iran is leading to severe healthcare crises, with hospitals reporting an average of 150 emergency room escapes monthly. This situation highlights the increasing…
An Official: We Have 7.4 Million Illiterates
The head of the Literacy Movement Organization reported 7.4 million absolute illiterates in Iran, contradicting previous claims of 98% literacy. The rise in poverty is…
The Likelihood of Energy Price Increases Strengthens; Gasoline Price Hike is Close Yet Far
The Iranian government is increasingly likely to raise energy prices, including gasoline, despite expert warnings about inflation and social unrest. Former officials and parliament members…
Biden and Netanyahu Discuss 'Phased' Continuation of War in Gaza
U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the continuation of military operations in Gaza, focusing on reducing intensity and ensuring civilian…
Accusation: Propaganda Against the Regime; Yasser Rahmani-Rad Summoned to Court
Yasser Rahmani-Rad, a doctor detained during protests for aiding injured protesters, has been summoned to court on charges of propaganda against the regime. He asserts…
Microsoft: Hackers Linked to the Islamic Republic Targeted Defense Companies with 'New Malware'
Microsoft reported that an Iranian cyber espionage group, 'Pich Sandstorm', has targeted thousands of defense companies with new malware called 'False Front'. This malware allows…
Russia's Night Drone Attack on Ukraine; Kyiv: We Shot Down 24 'Shahed' Drones
Ukraine reported successfully shooting down 24 out of 28 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia, which caused injuries and damage to residential buildings. U.S. officials…
Austrian Citizen Sentenced for Complicity in Islamic Republic's 'Terrorist Plot' in London
Mohammad Hossein Dovtayev, an Austrian citizen of Chechen descent, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for espionage related to a suspected…
Siamak Ebrahimi and Shahrokh Ahmadi: We Are Going to Prison to Serve Unjust Sentences
Siamak Ebrahimi and Shahrokh Ahmadi, social activists, are set to serve unjust prison sentences totaling nine years for charges related to national security and propaganda…
Increase in Pensioners' Salaries in 1403; Parliament Commission Reduces by Two Percent
The Iranian parliament's Joint Commission has proposed an 18% salary increase for government employees and pensioners, despite high inflation rates reported at around 45%. This…
Lloyd Austin during visit to USS Ford: We will not allow the war in Gaza to turn into a 'regional conflict'
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited the USS Gerald R. Ford to thank the crew for preventing the Gaza conflict from escalating into a…
Continued Russian Attacks on Kherson, Kyiv, and Odesa; Ukraine: We Shot Down 18 Drones
Ukrainian officials reported injuries from Russian drone attacks in Kherson, while the Ukrainian Air Force claimed to have shot down 18 out of 19 drones.…
Open Letter from Global Filmmakers to the Islamic Republic: Cancel Charges Against Two Iranian Directors
Global filmmakers have issued an open letter urging the Iranian government to lift travel bans and charges against directors Maryam Maqdami and Behtash Sanaeiha. The…
Iraq's Shiite ruling coalition secures over 100 seats in provincial councils
Iraq's ruling Shiite coalition has won at least 101 seats in recent provincial council elections, with significant support from paramilitary groups aligned with Iran. This…
Ukraine's Plan to Produce 'One Million' Reconnaissance Drones
Ukraine plans to produce over one million reconnaissance drones and thousands of attack drones in 2024, aiming to enhance its military capabilities and reduce reliance…
Execution of Samira Sabzian; Iran Human Rights Organization Calls for Global Response
Samira Sabzian, a child bride sentenced to death for allegedly murdering her husband, was executed in Iran, prompting the Iran Human Rights Organization to call…
The Islamic Republic's Broadcasting Organization: The Most Loss-Making Entity in the Country; An Organization with a Large Budget for Few Audiences
The Iranian parliament has mandated a significant increase in funding for the Islamic Republic's Broadcasting Organization, which is currently the most loss-making entity in the…
Global Passport Credibility; Iran's Open Data: The Islamic Republic Ranks 96th
A report from 'Open Data Iran' reveals that Iran's passport ranks 96th globally, with only 13 passports being less credible. The UAE leads in the…
Swedish Appeals Court Confirms Life Sentence for Hamid Nouri
The Swedish appeals court has upheld the life sentence of Hamid Nouri for his role in the mass execution of political prisoners in the 1980s.…
9 Prominent Iranian Political Activists Condemn Mandatory Hijab and Discrimination Against Women in Iran
Nine prominent Iranian activists condemned mandatory hijab as a violation of women's rights and called for an end to oppressive policies against women. They highlighted…
Reactions to the Hacking of Gas Stations in Iran; Cyber Attacks 'Out of Control'
Iran's gas stations were hacked by the group 'Predatory Sparrow,' prompting widespread criticism of the government's cybersecurity claims. This incident marks the second major hacking…
Iraq Elections; AFP: Pro-Iran Factions Expected to Strengthen
Iraq held its first provincial council elections in a decade, with expectations that pro-Iran Shiite factions will gain strength amid widespread public frustration and corruption.…
Continued Insecurity in Workshops in Iran; Death and Injury of Two Sabzevar Workers and Electrocution of a Lineman
Two workers in Sabzevar, Iran, faced serious accidents due to unsafe working conditions, highlighting ongoing issues in workplace safety. Labor activists criticize the government's ineffective…
Concerns Among Security Figures of the Islamic Republic Over Decreased Participation in Parliamentary Elections
Ali Rabiei has highlighted a significant decline in expected voter participation for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iran, with estimates suggesting only 32% participation. This…
Kayhan Newspaper Calls for Action Against Molavi Abdulhamid Following Attack on Police Station in Rask
Kayhan newspaper has called for action against Molavi Abdulhamid, linking him to a recent armed attack by Jaish al-Adl on a police station in Rask,…
Reza Shahabi, Imprisoned Labor Activist, Transferred to Hospital Due to Illness
Reza Shahabi, a labor activist and board member of the Tehran Bus Workers Syndicate, has been transferred to the hospital due to high blood pressure…
Egyptian Sources: Israel and Hamas Disagree on Ceasefire
Egyptian and Qatari sources indicate that Israel and Hamas are both willing to agree to a ceasefire and release hostages, but they are at odds…
Voice of America Investigative Report on the Transfer of Electronic Components for Shahed Drone Production in Russia
Voice of America reports that Western countries are trying to prevent the illegal transfer of electronic components to Russia for the production of Iranian-designed drones.…
Israeli Army Claims to Have Discovered 'Weapons and Tunnels' in Yahya Sinwar's Vacation Home
The Israeli army has conducted raids on Hamas leaders' homes and offices in Khan Younis, claiming to have discovered weapons and tunnels. This operation follows…
Consequences of Unstudied Laws | Reduction of Construction Workers' Insurance Premiums; Parliament Representatives: We Have Requested an 'Interpretation'
The Iranian Parliament has acknowledged flaws in the social insurance law for construction workers and is seeking to amend it due to widespread criticism. The…
83-Year-Old Crown Prince Becomes New Emir of Kuwait
Sheikh Meshal Ahmad Al-Sabah has been named the new Emir of Kuwait following the death of his brother, Sheikh Nawaf. His ascension marks a continuation…
Consequences of Housing Inflation: Decrease in Marriage and Birth Rates
Iran is experiencing a significant decline in marriage and birth rates due to unprecedented housing inflation, which has made it difficult for young couples to…
Food Shortage Threat in Iran; Production and Import of Essential Goods Decreased by 50%
Iran is facing a significant food shortage crisis as imports of essential goods have decreased by 50% over the past eight months, with red meat…
CENTCOM Commander Visits Iraq and Syria for 'Condition Assessment' of U.S. Bases
General Michael Erik Kurilla, the head of CENTCOM, visited U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria to assess security conditions amid rising attacks from Iranian-backed…
Dutch Court Rejects Requests to Halt Arms Exports to Israel
A Dutch court has rejected human rights groups' requests to stop arms exports to Israel, particularly parts for F-35 jets, which are allegedly used in…
Foad Fathi, Labor Activist, Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison
Foad Fathi, a labor activist, has been sentenced to 4 years in prison along with additional restrictions by the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran. This…
EU Leaders Agree on More Sanctions Targeting Russia's Economy
The EU has agreed on a new sanctions package against Russia, including a ban on diamond imports starting January 1. Austria delayed final approval for…
Armed Attack in Rask County, Sistan and Baluchestan; 12 Law Enforcement Officers Killed
An armed attack in Rask County, Sistan and Baluchestan resulted in the deaths of 12 law enforcement officers and injuries to several others. The group…
UN: Taliban Imprisons Afghan Women for 'Protection' Against Gender-Based Violence
The UN reports that the Taliban is imprisoning Afghan women under the guise of protecting them from gender-based violence, with no existing support shelters available.…
First Presence of Some Female Football Fans at the Capital Derby; Islamic Republic Under FIFA Pressure
For the first time in decades, female football fans were allowed to attend the capital derby between Persepolis and Esteghlal in Iran. This event, described…
The body of Afagh Khosravi-Zand, a Baha'i citizen, was buried in Khavaran "against the family's heartfelt wishes"
Afagh Khosravi-Zand, a Baha'i citizen, was buried in Khavaran against her family's wishes due to governmental pressure and university refusal to accept her body. This…
Houthi Missile Attack on Ship in Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
A Houthi missile was fired at a Hong Kong-flagged ship in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, but it did not cause damage. This incident is part of…
A Trade Official: Inflationary Recession in Iran Has Led to the Closure of Laptop Stores
The head of the Computer Technologists Union in Iran reports that the inflationary recession has led to the closure of laptop stores and a retreat…
End of COP28 Meeting; About 200 Countries Agree to Gradually Reduce Fossil Fuels
At COP28 in Dubai, nearly 200 countries agreed to gradually reduce fossil fuel consumption to combat climate change, marking a significant shift in global energy…
Ministry of Health Reports 90,000 New Cancer Cases Annually
The Iranian Ministry of Health reported that there are 90,000 new cancer cases annually, with breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers being the most common.…
Government Forces Attack Two Religious Schools in Zahedan; Dar al-Uloom Teachers: 'Violation of Sanctity'
Government forces attacked two religious schools in Zahedan, detaining dozens of students, which the Society of Teachers of Dar al-Uloom condemned as a violation of…
Widespread Criticism from Activists on the Draft Agreement of the 28th Climate Change Conference; It Does Not Address Global Warming
The draft agreement from COP 28 in Dubai has been criticized by global activists for lacking measures to combat global warming, particularly the absence of…
Mona Mehrjui's Lawyer Surprised by Indictment: We Have Objected to the Forensic Report
Mona Mehrjui's lawyer expressed surprise at the indictment of suspects in the murder of her parents, citing ongoing investigations and ambiguities in the case. The…
Dispute Over Wage Rights Escalates; Head of Budget and Planning Organization: No News of a 30 Percent Increase
The head of Iran's Budget and Planning Organization has stated that there will be no 30 percent wage increase for workers, citing concerns over inflation.…
Discriminatory Laws Continue to Claim Victims; Honor Killing in the Capital; A Father Killed His 21-Year-Old Daughter
A father in Tehran killed his 21-year-old daughter over a disagreement regarding marriage, highlighting ongoing issues of honor killings in Iran. Experts attribute these murders…
Return of the 'Immoral Film' Case from Gilan to the Top of the News; Seqati and the 'Second Person' Arrested
Reza Seqati, the former director of the Culture and Islamic Guidance Department of Gilan, was arrested along with another individual due to a controversial film…
Beginning of Fuel Changes; Fuel Ration for Uninsured Vehicles Will Be Cut
Iran is cutting fuel quotas for uninsured vehicles to address energy imbalances and reduce reliance on gasoline imports, which are projected to exceed 110 trillion…
A Clerical Official: Female Students and Clerical Soldiers are Present in Schools
A clerical official announced the integration of female clerics and clerical soldiers into Iranian schools as part of an Islamic transformation in education, claiming high…
The Result of the Islamic Republic's 'Anti-Women' Policies: Increase in Women's Migration
The article discusses the rising trend of women's migration from Iran, highlighting that over half of Iranian migrants in Canada, Finland, and Australia are women.…
Seventh Development Plan; Diesel Prices to Increase Gradually from 2025
The Iranian government plans to gradually increase diesel prices starting in 2025 as part of the Seventh Development Plan, which may lead to higher energy…
Oberlin College to VOA: Jafar Mahalati on 'Indefinite Leave' Since December 7
Oberlin College has placed Mohammad Jafar Mahalati, former Iranian ambassador to the UN, on indefinite leave amid allegations of sexual harassment and anti-Semitic remarks. The…
Rocket Attack on Baghdad's Green Zone; US Embassy: Iraqi Government Must Ensure Diplomatic Security
The US Embassy in Baghdad urged the Iraqi government to secure the safety of foreign diplomats after a rocket attack on the Green Zone. No…
The European Union Calls on China to Pressure Russia to End the War in Ukraine
EU leaders met with Chinese officials to urge pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, highlighting China's economic influence. This meeting comes amid…
Senate Votes Down Senator Paul's Proposal to Withdraw American Forces from Syria
The U.S. Senate rejected Senator Rand Paul's proposal to withdraw American troops from Syria, arguing that their presence is necessary to combat ISIS, despite claims…
The U.S. Seeks Increased Support for Commercial Vessels in the Red Sea
U.S. military officials are discussing enhanced protection for commercial vessels in the Red Sea due to increased Houthi attacks, which are believed to be supported…
Malala Yousafzai: Women in Afghanistan are under 'Gender Apartheid'
Malala Yousafzai highlighted the plight of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, calling it 'gender apartheid' and urging global action to address the issue. She…
US State Department Urges Israel to Facilitate Increased Aid to Gaza
The US State Department has urged Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing insufficient fuel, food, and water. This comes amid ongoing ground operations…
"I Was Brutally Raped"; Amnesty International Report on "Sexual Assault" of Detainees by Islamic Republic Forces
Amnesty International's report reveals widespread sexual violence against detainees by Iranian government forces during the 2022 protests, including assaults on women, men, and children. The…
Head of Women's and Society Think Tank: Hijab Removal Increased from 'North Tehran' to 'Villages Across the Country'
Abolfazl Iqbali, head of the Women's and Society Think Tank, reported a significant increase in hijab removal in Iran, particularly since the protests following Mahsa…
The Sound of Rising Prices Again; Minister of Energy Reports 100 Trillion Tomans Debt in the Electricity Industry
The Iranian Minister of Energy announced a significant increase in the electricity industry's debt to 100 trillion tomans, claiming that the issue of electricity imbalance…
A Parliament Representative Exposes: The 'Expediency Council' Completely Altered the Car Import Bill
A member of the Iranian Parliament revealed that the Expediency Council significantly altered a car import bill, prioritizing the interests of domestic automakers over public…
An Official Reports: 26,000 Annual Deaths Due to Air Pollution
An Iranian environmental official reported that 26,000 people die each year due to air pollution, primarily caused by low-quality gasoline and vehicles. The government has…
Conditions of Marriage Contract Added Back to Electronic Marriage Document
The Iranian government has decided to include the conditions of the marriage contract in the newly introduced electronic marriage documents after initial plans excluded them.…
Potential Surge in Dollar Price; A Director of the Parliament Research Center: Factors Increasing Currency Prices Remain Active
Mehdi Darabi from the Iranian Parliament Research Center warns of an imminent surge in currency rates, attributing current stability to oil exports and foreign openings.…
House of Representatives Votes to Expel Santos, Republican Representative from New York
The U.S. House of Representatives expelled George Santos for corruption and campaign finance violations. Despite opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson, the expulsion passed overwhelmingly.…
Air Pollution in Iran Reaches Peak; Mazut Burning as Main Cause
Air pollution in Iran has reached alarming levels, particularly in major cities like Tehran and Isfahan, primarily due to the burning of mazut. The government…
US Refuses to Comment on 'Increased Precision of Israeli Attacks'; Emphasizes Hamas's Responsibility for Ceasefire Failure
The US has refrained from commenting on the precision of Israeli attacks against Hamas after a ceasefire ended, while emphasizing Hamas's responsibility for the ceasefire's…
German Christian Democratic Party Representative: Berlin's Foreign Policy Towards the Islamic Republic is Shameful
Norbert Röttgen, a member of the German parliament, criticized the federal government's foreign policy towards Iran, calling it shameful for prioritizing meetings with regime officials…
Germany Condemns Hamas Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem
Germany condemned a Hamas terrorist attack in Jerusalem that killed four people during a ceasefire in Gaza. The attackers were identified as brothers affiliated with…