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Intensifying Public Fury Against Khamenei and Its Impact on Iran
On the anniversary of the 1979 revolution, the streets of various Iranian cities echoed with defiant slogans: “Death to Khamenei,” “Death to Zahhak,” and “Death to the dictator.” These chants, expressions of deep public anger toward Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, are a stark reflection of the widespread dissatisfaction permeating the country. Public resentment toward Khamenei has become the dominant sentiment among Iranians. From the moment they rise in the morning until they retire at night, citizens grapple with daily hardships they attribute directly to Khamenei’s policies. Power outages, essential appliance failures, the soaring cost of basic goods, worsening air pollution, and the leader’s intransigence in governance have all fueled frustration. As a result, curses and insults directed at Khamenei have become more prevalent in everyday discourse than ever before.
Iran Faces Deepening Economic Crisis as Pezeshkian Government Struggles with Sanctions
On February 7, 2025, the Iran regime’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, officially ruled out any negotiations with the United States. This decision has exacerbated the economic difficulties facing President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, compounding the challenges posed by ongoing and potentially intensifying sanctions. The continuation of sanctions has cast a dark shadow over Iran’s economic future, leading to mounting financial struggles for both the government and the general population. Pezeshkian’s government is grappling with multiple crises, including declining oil revenues, a depreciating national currency, soaring inflation, and an expanding budget deficit.
Since February 10 of Last Year, 1,021 Executions by Hanging in Iran
The “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, in its 55th statement on Tuesday, February 11, warned that since February 10, 2024, more than 1,021 people have been executed by hanging.
Imprisoned members of this campaign in 35 prisons across the country expressed concern in the statement over the death sentence of Pejman Soltani, a Kurdish political prisoner who was arrested during the 2024 protests. This political prisoner was sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Urmia Criminal Court in an “unfair trial” on charges of killing a “Basij officer.”
The statement also announced that the request for retrial of Pakhshan Azizi, a political prisoner whose death sentence has been upheld by the Supreme Court, has been denied, placing her at imminent risk of execution.
Power Outages and Widespread Blackouts in Tehran
Reports from Iranian domestic media and social networks indicate widespread blackouts in Tehran, with schools, banks, and government offices in several provinces, including Tehran, being closed on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Energy has cited “fuel shortages in power plants” as the reason for the widespread blackouts and has called on the public to conserve energy.
On Tuesday evening, February 11, the Tavanir electricity company issued a statement saying that due to cold weather, increased household gas consumption, and restrictions in gas supply and transmission to power plants, electricity has been cut off, and the country needs “cooperation from fellow citizens” to meet its power demand.
Iranian Pharmacists Association Warns of Collapse of Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
The Iranian Pharmacists Association and the Medical Council of Iran, in separate letters addressed to senior officials of the Iranian regime, warned about the irreparable consequences of the “pharmacy liquidity crisis” and the “non-payment of insurance claims.” They called for urgent action to prevent “disruptions in the pharmaceutical supply chain.”
In a letter published by the Pharmacists Association, it was emphasized that the Social Security Organization and the Targeted Subsidy Organization have failed to pay pharmacies’ outstanding claims for months. This delay has placed significant financial strain on pharmacies and the entire pharmaceutical supply chain.
Growing Wave of Professor Migration Poses Serious Challenge To Iran’s Scientific Future
The migration of university professors, students, and elites from Iran has repeatedly drawn public attention in recent years. What is particularly noteworthy about this issue is that neither the government in general nor the country’s academic institutions, in particular, have taken any action to address it. The exact number of professors who have migrated from Iran in recent years remains unclear, with conflicting statistics reported on the matter. However, based on available reports, it appears that a significant number of university faculty members have left the country in recent years due to various reasons, including economic, political, and social challenges.
Some reports indicate that approximately 2,700 university faculty members have left Iran over the past four years. However, other sources estimate this number to be either higher or lower. For instance, some reports suggest that around 1,700 faculty members migrated between 2018 and 2021.
Death Sentence for Pejman Soltani
In the ongoing suppression of protesters in Iran, Pejman Soltani, one of those arrested during the nationwide uprising of 2022, has been sentenced to death. This verdict was issued by Branch One of the Juvenile Criminal Court of West Azerbaijan Province on charges of “premeditated murder.” Additionally, Rezgar Beigzadeh Babamiri and Ali (Soran) Ghasemi were sentenced to 15 years and 10 years and one day of imprisonment, respectively, while Kaveh Salehi was acquitted of all charges.
Pejman Soltani and four other citizens from Bukan were arrested in late April and early May 2023 in the cities of Bukan and Baneh by security forces and transferred to the detention center of the Intelligence Office in Urmia. These detainees were subjected to severe physical and psychological torture to coerce forced confessions. During this time, they were deprived of their basic rights, including family visits and access to legal counsel.
Iran’s Poverty Line: Economic Challenges and Social Implications
A recent report published by Khabar Online on February 10, 2025, highlights the findings of Hamid Haj Esmaeili, a labor market expert, regarding Iran’s poverty line and wage policies. According to economic estimates, the relative poverty line in Iran has reached 35 million tomans per month. This figure underscores the growing gap between the income of wage-earning households and the rising cost of living amid ongoing inflation.
In an interview with Khabar Online, Haj Esmaeili emphasized that before determining the minimum wage, it is essential for the government to establish a clear and reliable definition of the poverty line. He argued that transparent data from institutions such as the Statistical Center of Iran and the Central Bank is necessary to guide meaningful wage negotiations. Without such a baseline, determining adequate wage levels becomes increasingly difficult.
Rally in Washington, DC for a Free Iran on March 8, 2025
Washington, DC – February 10, 2025 – A powerful call for justice, freedom, and human rights is set to echo through the streets of Washington, DC, where Iranian Resistance supporters, human rights defenders, and Iranian communities will gather for the 2025 Rally to Support a Free Iran.
Rally in #WashingtonDC for a Free #Iran on March 8, 2025 #2025RallyForAFreeIran #FreeIran2025 #Woman_Resistance_Freedomhttps://t.co/slhzoNrGGu
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) February 11, 2025
This demonstration is organized by the Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC). Scheduled for Saturday, March 8, at 1 PM, the event will coincide with International Women’s Day, a fitting occasion to highlight the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and political freedom in Iran.
Gothenburg, February 11, 2025: MEK Supporters Stand in Solidarity with ‘No to Executions’ Campaign
Gothenburg, Sweden – February 11, 2025: Supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) held a rally in solidarity with the No to Executions Campaign, marking the twenty-first consecutive week of their movement. The campaign is a response to the Iranian regime’s continued executions in its prisons.