Iran’s ruling clerics fear a social explosion due to economic decline marked by high inflation, a collapsing currency, and public dissent. Officials warn of worsening crises, including severe water shortages and systemic corruption. Protests emerge as purchasing power dwindles, leading to calls for urgent reform. The regime’s focus on repression rather than resolution exacerbates risks of unrest.
As economic conditions worsen in Iran, the ruling clerics express increasing anxiety about a potential social explosion. High inflation, a plummeting currency, and rising public dissent have prompted officials to issue warnings about the risk of unrest. On March 1, President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the critical water crisis threatening Tehran, stating, “The danger posed by water imbalance threatening Tehran and the region today is terrifying.”
Deputy Minister of Water Operations, Hessam Khosravi, noted that water rationing in Tehran is becoming a reality due to a 25% reduction in rainfall, with major reservoirs holding only 6% capacity. Protests have erupted in cities like Saman and Shahr-e Kord, where residents voiced discontent over severe shortages, warning of potential escalation if conditions do not improve.
Ahmad Tavakoli, chairman of the Transparency and Justice Watchdog, blamed systemic corruption for the economic collapse, stating, “Fear the rage of the poor”. He cited the Debsh Tea scandal, implicating 490 individuals, as evidence of entrenched corruption and criticized extravagant spending amidst scarcity in essential goods, emphasizing that unchecked corruption could lead to violent unrest.
State media echoed these concerns, with the Ham Miham editorial warning about the implications of rising public anger paired with inflation above 40%. The worsening economic situation has forced the populace to turn to gold and foreign currency as a protective measure for their savings, leading to fears of an angry public explosion.
As purchasing power declines significantly—MP Ali-Asghar Nakhee reported a 40% drop—government mishandling of exchange rates deepens the struggle for survival, with essential goods remaining unaffordable. Despite alarm over public discontent, some officials propose increased repression rather than addressing root issues.
The Iranian regime confronts significant unrest due to economic mismanagement, corruption, and public dissatisfaction. Rising inflation, water crises, and the declining purchasing power have resulted in protests and calls for systemic reform. Officials acknowledge the potential for violence if conditions continue to worsen, while some advocate for repression over resolution. The situation remains volatile as the populace’s patience wears thin amid ongoing struggles.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
