The Jomhouri Eslami newspaper, one of the Iranian regime’s propaganda tools that consistently justifies its atrocities, has now admitted to the dire economic situation and the misery of millions of compatriots by referencing the “army of the hungry” instead of hollow armies.
Under the title of “Fear the Distribution of Poverty Among People”, in its July 16, 2023 issue, Jomhuri Eslami warned regime leaders: “The custom of Islamic governance is not to divide sumptuous morsels among the powerful while telling the people to be patient, eat one meal less, and return to the days of eating watery stews. It is not right for some people to suffer from severe economic hardships, unable to afford adequate meat, poultry, dairy, and fruit, while a small minority, due to their proximity to the centers of power, enjoys billion-rial bonuses, exorbitant salaries, and privileges such as control over endowed properties under the pretense of merit. People are tired of hearing slogans. Do not think their patience is infinite. Fear the day when the army of hunger rises against you.”
Interestingly, the article reprimanded the ruling factions, urging them to “at least consider measures for your survival and governance.”
One year later, overwhelming economic crises and comprehensive bankruptcies, referred to as “imbalances” in energy, budget, employment, and the livelihood of millions of impoverished and destitute compatriots, have left the regime’s propaganda machine utterly drained. When electricity is cut off in homes, hospitals, and production centers due to fuel shortages of all kinds, regime propaganda and slogans only brings shame and disgrace to its leaders.
“Fear the day when the army of hungry rises against you”
On November 25, Jomhuri Eslami newspaper again used the phrase “Fear the day when the hungry rises against you,” and stated: “The smallest consequence of a society filled with discrimination and class disparity is widespread discontent. The result of this discontent will be the accumulation of suppressed anger in the hearts of the impoverished class. These suppressed angers will one day erupt like a volcano, leading the army of the deprived and the hungry against those responsible for this injustice movement that can only be called the Revolution of the Army of the Hungry. Aren’t you afraid of such a revolution?”
This issue of the newspaper makes brief references to poverty, inequality, and discrimination. It laments the auctioning off the nation’s economic dignity.
Statistics show that in the past five months, living expenses, even for a minimal basket of food, have risen by at least 40%. In housing and healthcare sectors, the increases have been even higher. No aspect of people’s lives has been spared from crippling inflation.
The price of household electricity has suddenly risen by 38%. The price of chicken has exceeded 1 million rials per kilogram in some cities. Egg prices have increased by 300,000 rials per tray compared to previous weeks. Automobile manufacturers like Iran Khodro and Saipa have increased their product prices by 30% overnight. The dollar’s exchange rate has reached 700,000 rials.
“The Disintegration of Workers’ $100 Wage”
After extensive negotiations at the beginning of the year, workers’ wages were set at approximately 7.2 million rials. However, with the collapse of the rial’s value, what remains of that amount? “The 7.2 million rials minimum wage at the beginning of the year was roughly $113, but now, in the year’s final months and with the ongoing currency shocks of November, it has dropped to $103, based on a 69,500-rial exchange rate in November. Even though this monthly payment, how much ‘real’ value will it hold by year-end?” (Source: Etemad newspaper, November 25).
On November 15, Jamaran website quoted economist Farshad Momeni as saying, “The 2025 budget has a projected operational deficit of over 18.05 quadrillion rials, and the power structure lacks the will to reform itself. The increasing trend of operational deficits indicates advancing further into a quagmire.”