Analysis by PMOI/MEK
Iran, May 10, 2019 – After the recent major blows (Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), and a full sanctioning of Iran’s oil exports and banking system), what is most alarming to the ruling theocracy in Iran are the domestic consequences of the regime’s weak position on the international and regional stage. All the while, widespread economic misery and blatant corruption by the ruling elite have cut to the bone of the regime’s philosophy of being the “protector of the poor.”
Horrified officials have already filled every outlet with their messages of alarm about the explosive potential protests on Iranian streets.
In the May 6 session of Iran’s Majlis (parliament), Amir Khojasteh, chair of the Internal Policies Commission, expressed warnings about the country’s inflation.
“This isn’t an economy. The inflation pressure on people’s shoulders is crushing them. Every day there is a new scenario. One day, it is the dollar and nobody pays attention. One day it is fuel. One day it's about onions. 8,000 rials onions become 150,000 rials. This is a scenario. Who’s pulling the strings?” he asked.
“People say, for how long? Somewhere, people’s livelihoods need to be protected. This isn’t the U.S. anymore. When we see inflation in the country and there isn’t a response [from the government], it will upset the people; it has driven the people angry,” he continued.
Soheila Jolodarzadeh, another Majlis member, warns that widespread injustice is followed by God’s obliteration of the ruling elite. Due to blatant corruption, we have provided the means to increase the distance between the rich and poor, she adds.
“When paychecks are not increased according to the inflation rate and following the consequences of the devaluation of the national currency, the situation has become such that you can’t live under these circumstances anymore and it reminds one of the middle ages and the widespread poverty of the working class,” Jolodarzadeh said.
Naghavi Hosseini, the member of the Security Commission of the Parliament, acknowledges the horror of the rank and file of Hassan Rouhani’s camp of a popular uprising in the Iranian street and says: “Let me tell you openly, Mr. President. A number of your cabinet’s ministers have defected and aren’t suitable for service in our economic war.”
“Today, talks were focused on fuel becoming more expensive. We shouldn’t in any way come to terms with such a thing. Fuel becoming more expensive means igniting the stack of discontent,” he added.
While Iran’s Majlis is trying to show itself concerned about ordinary people’s concerns, regime pundits admit that considering the crisis-riddled situation of the Islamic Republic, Iranians have already moved past both political factions.
Amir Mohebbian, a theoretician close to the faction of Iranian regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, also voices alarming concerns.
“The public is challenging the reformists with their trust in them. On the other hand, there are the hardliners who don’t have a manifest or alternative to solve the country’s problems, being in a political coma. People have become pessimistic and view positive promises with suspicion and on the other hand accepted negative news more readily,” he added.
