Iran: Pro-regime demonstrations in various cities Jan. 3 /update 8

Event

Thousands of people took the streets on Wednesday, January 3, to condemn the deadly anti-government protests that have shaken the country since December 28 and to show their support for the Islamic republic. Demonstrations were reported in the cities of Ahvaz (southwest), Arak (center), Ilam (west), Gorgan (north), and Kermanshah (west).

The presence of security forces in Tehran has reportedly decreased as of January 3 following a calm night in the capital; no additional clashes or arrest were reported on the evening of January 2. However, a police station in the city of Lenjan (Isfahan province) was attacked by two gunmen on January 2, resulting in no casualties.

Further pro- and anti-government demonstrations are expected to continue in cities across Iran in the coming days. A heavy security presence is to be anticipated and further violence is likely.

Context

Protests against high prices, the state’s economic policies, high unemployment, and perceived government corruption have sprung up in many cities across Iran, spreading from demonstrations that first occurred on December 28 in Mashhad. The ongoing protests are considered the largest such demonstrations expressing public dissatisfaction with the economic and sociopolitical status quo since the Green Movement protests of 2009. At least 21 people have been killed and over 1000 others arrested across the country since the protests began on December 28, 2017.

The Iranian economy has generally improved since the country signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a.k.a. the Iran nuclear deal, in 2015. Public frustration has risen in recent months, however, as the JCPOA's promised economic benefits have yet to reach much of the Iranian population.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to strictly avoid all protests and public gatherings, closely monitor the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. A number of countries are currently advising their citizens against travel to Iran due to the ongoing unrest.

More generally, foreign nationals in Iran should maintain a low profile and refrain from commenting on the current political climate (including online), taking photographs of protests, or any other actions that could draw undue attention from the state.