Iranian Baluch Activist Killed Amid Ongoing Tensions

In the final days of the current Iranian year 1402 (ending March 20), Iran International reached out to its audience to inquire about their hopes for the coming year. While dozens of responses varied widely, a prevailing sentiment was that the realization of these hopes hinges on changing the current regime.

Desire for Happiness and Peace One citizen expressed, "I wish for the Islamic Republic to vanish, allowing people to find peace and reclaim their lives."

Others echoed similar sentiments, wishing for "happiness and peace of mind" for Iranians, emphasizing the need for the regime's removal to achieve this.

Most responses received through social media carried pseudonyms, considering the risks involved for people inside the country from expressing their views.

Another individual remarked, "In recent years, we've endured more than our fair share of hardship. Iranians are good people who don't deserve this suffering. I hope for a future where we can lead peaceful and healthy lives after the fall of the mullahs, especially [Supreme Leader] Ali Khamenei."

Many messages highlighted the cruelty, oppression, theft, and tyranny perpetrated by the Islamic Republic. They labeled the regime as an occupier of Iran.

Honoring the Victims of Protests

Numerous Iranians referenced the killings of protesters by security forces in recent years, particularly during the nationwide uprising sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in morality-police custody in September 2002. They believed that the pain and grief of bereaved families could only be somewhat alleviated by removing Iran’s government from "the hands of the mullahs, the IRGC forces, and the current leaders."

Observing an ancient Iranian tradition, many Iranians paid tribute to protest victims by visiting their graves on March 14, the last Thursday of the Iranian year.

Unity to Oust the Government

In recent days, Iran International received messages urging the public, especially opposition forces and groups, to unite against the Islamic Republic in the new year.

One citizen stated, "For the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement to succeed, we need targeted planning and protests. I hope for a united opposition and a strong coalition in the coming year."

Another noted, "I understand that my wish for the regime's collapse and the prosecution of its officials may not materialize for at least the next five years. The reason is that none of the world's politicians seem determined to effect regime change, as its survival, rather than its collapse, serves the interests of foreign countries."

Over the years, prominent dissidents and opposition figures, especially in recent months, have urged Western governments to heed the Iranian nation's call for regime change.

Many Iranians demand the collapse of the authoritarian government, followed by free elections with international observers and the establishment of a democratic, secular system. Additionally, many expressed a desire for the return of Iran’s exiled prince, Reza Pahlavi, to form a new government and restore order to the country.

Some wished for the return of Iranians forced to leave the country due to repression, who now yearn to return home.

Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity

Messages frequently emphasized the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the formation of a government free from clerical interference, the prosecution of regime officials, and women's freedom from compulsory hijab. Other common wishes included a prosperous economy with affordable prices, peace and security in Iran and the Middle East, and freedom of expression.

Political prisoner Mahmoud Mehrabi, incarcerated in Esfahan’s Central Prison for over a year, expressed that true Norouz celebrations would only occur when genuine happiness pervades Iranian society.

Mehrabi emphasized that the transition from despair to joy can only be accomplished by the people themselves.

A middle-aged woman added, "I wish our children could experience happiness and freedom in the new year. May all our wishes be fulfilled."

During the court session which was held virtually, no legal or factual justification was provided against Salehi, the report said, further adding that the session ended with his “strong defense of his positions.”

If the court acts independently, the verdict can only be the acquittal and freedom of the imprisoned rapper, stressed his post on X, run by an appointed manager.

Salehi, 33, was arrested on November 30, 2023, just under two weeks after being released on bail following a year in custody for his involvement in supporting the 2022 nationwide protests, triggered by the death in morality-police custody of Mahsa Amini.

He was snatched off the street in the northern city of Babol in Mazandaran province by security officers in plainclothes who assaulted him with the butts of their pistols and AK-47 rifles.

As the regime continues to battle dissenting voices, prominent figures such as Salehi have been punished harshly, with many receiving jail time, travel bans and bans on working, to deter the public from further protests.

The singer rose to prominence for his protest songs addressing social issues and government injustices in Iran.

Activists inside Iran and abroad have been actively campaigning for his release, with a number of figures in Western nations championing his cause.

In October 2023, Salehi received the 2023 Arts Freedom of Expression Award from Index on Censorship, an organization promoting free expression.

In a report released on Friday, the council highlighted the recent departure of yet another pediatric heart transplant surgeon from Iran, revealing that the waiting list for patients under this doctor's care is already full for the next two years, with 638 children in need of surgery.

The concerning trend comes at a time when, according to the Iranian Medical Council's statistics, between 10,000 to 15,000 children are born annually with congenital heart diseases in Iran. With 70 to 80 percent of the cases requiring surgical intervention, the shortage of specialized medical professionals poses a significant challenge.

The situation is compounded by the scarcity of doctors capable of performing complex infant surgeries, with the report indicating that the number of such specialists is less than five. Additionally, the waiting list for pediatric heart surgeries at Tehran's Shahid Rajaei Hospital, the largest heart surgery center in Iran, is already filled until 2026.

The sharp devaluation of Iran's currency and 50-percent annual inflation has led to many professionals to seek residence in other countries.

Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, the head of the Iranian Medical Council, had previously labeled the "depletion of the country of doctors" as a "serious" crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the situation and safeguard the future of Iran's healthcare sector.

Furthermore, Iraj Fazel, the former Minister of Health, has expressed concern about the declining interest among medical students in specialized fields like pediatric surgery and heart surgery. He noted the absence of volunteers in many critical areas, exacerbating concerns about the shortage of specialists in the vital medical disciplines.

Speaking out against the prevailing economic hardships, Tajik emphasized that "The wages of workers are always one year behind inflation."

He added that even a 100% wage hike would fail to bridge the gap between wages and living expenses for the working class. Inflation began to soar to 40% in 2019 after the United States imposed economic sanctions on Iran. The cumulative effect of five years of high inflation has impoverished tens of millions of Iranian wage earners.

Tajik's remarks come amidst the Iranian government's recent approval of a 20 percent average salary increase, slated to take effect after March 21. However, the adjustment is insufficient against the backdrop of inflation rates, which currently hover around 50 percent annually.

The purchasing power of Iranians is further undermined by the rising value of the US dollar in Tehran, which stands at 600,000 rials, with prospects of further depreciation looming in the near future.

The persistent inflation and sluggish economy have propelled millions of Iranians into the category of "working poor," with reports indicating that wages cover a mere 60 percent of monthly household expenses.

A myriad of factors contribute to the continuation of low wages in Iran, including economic mismanagement, corruption, and international sanctions. Moreover, structural deficiencies within the labor market, such as informal employment and inadequate labor regulations, exacerbate the prevalence of low-paying jobs. Consequently, many workers, particularly those in marginalized communities and informal sectors, grapple with poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, healthcare, and education.

Over the past two decades, Iran has significantly lagged behind Saudi Arabia in energy sector investments, with an annual infusion of a few billion dollars compared with Saudi investments to the tune of tens of billion of dollars.

Tehran is also in a dispute with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait over an oil and gas field field in the Persian Gulf called Arash by Iran and Durra or Dorra by its two Arab neighbors, who have begun operations to develop the underwater field.

Kuwaits insists the field is only shared with Saudi Arabia despite Iran’s claims. Back in July, Saudi state news agency SPA, citing the foreign ministry, said the kingdom enjoys “full rights” along with Kuwait to the disputed gas and oil field.

Following sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear program, international companies refused to continue to work with Iran in developing its oil and gas fields. Since then, Iran has sought the cooperation of its few allies, including Russia, to further its oil fields projects.

While Iran proudly announced the signing of the "largest oil and gas agreements in the country's history worth $40 billion," Russia has not converted any of these memoranda of understanding (MoU) into contracts.

Khojasteh-Mehr also noted that the negotiations between Iran and Pakistan are underway regarding the export of Iranian gas to its eastern neighbor. “The will of the two countries is to implement this project,” he stressed.