{"id":327780,"date":"2025-01-17T07:48:14","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T06:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=327780"},"modified":"2025-01-17T17:25:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T16:25:34","slug":"iran-news-in-brief-january-17-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-news-in-brief-news\/iran-news-in-brief-january-17-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran News in Brief \u2013 January 17, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Workers of Pania Parto Kahroba Company in Andimeshk, southern Iran, held a protest rally on January 16, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS<\/h2>\n

UPDATE: 5:00 PM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

US Airstrikes Target Houthi Positions in Yemen Amid Escalating Tensions<\/h3>\n

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According to al-Arabiya, the United States launched five airstrikes on Houthi positions in the Harf Sufyan region of Yemen\u2019s Amran province on Friday, following renewed threats from the Iranian regime-backed group to escalate attacks in the Red Sea.\u00a0According to Houthi media reports, the airstrikes targeted areas in northern Sana\u2019a. These actions come in response to remarks by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi group, who warned on Thursday of continued aggression if Israel fails to uphold its ceasefire agreement in Gaza.<\/p>\n

The Houthis have launched missile and drone strikes and targeted cargo vessels in the Red Sea since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. The United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom, has also increased military actions in the region. Washington has framed these strikes as efforts to protect global trade and ensure the safety of maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, critical waterways for international shipping.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: 2:30 PM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

Iran, Russia Enter into\u00a0Trump\u00a0Crosshairs for New Oil Sanctions<\/h3>\n

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The oil revenues of Iran, Russia, and Venezuela have come into the crosshairs of President-elect Donald Trump, who is preparing a wide-ranging sanctions package<\/a>\u00a0that could have dramatic effects on energy markets. While plans are still in the early stages, advisers say the measures are being formulated to blunt three diplomatic thorns that have stuck in the side of multiple US administrations. Trump wants to end Russia\u2019s war on Ukraine, which next month enters its fourth year.\u00a0He said last week<\/a>\u00a0he\u2019s open to meeting Vladimir Putin and getting a deal done. Trump is also keen on increasing pressure over\u00a0Iran\u2019s nuclear work<\/a>\u00a0while\u00a0punishing Venezuela<\/a>\u00a0because of its anti-democratic turn. But imposing new sanctions on three of the world\u2019s largest oil producers would be challenging.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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UPDATE: 1:30 PM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

As Iran’s Economy Collapses, Mullahs Blame Others<\/h3>\n

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The tyrants who have repressed the people of Iran for almost five decades are teetering on the edge of a cliff. The Iranian currency, the rial, is in freefall, reaching 570,000 to the U.S. dollar; an 8% drop in less than a week. Iranians will soon need a wheelbarrow full of currency to buy a loaf of bread.<\/p>\n

Inflation at 34.5% is spiraling. Unemployment is out of control, with youth unemployment particularly severe in a nation where around 40% of the 91 million population is aged under 35. Despite its vast reserves of oil and natural gas, Iran is also facing an energy crisis, causing even greater rising discontent. Widespread power cuts, gas shortages and city shutdowns have disrupted daily life, crippled industry and fueled public anger.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

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UPDATE: 7:30 AM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

PMOI Resistance Units Persist in Their Activities Despite Repression by Iran\u2019s Regime<\/h3>\n

The PMOI Resistance Units continue their anti-regime activities across various cities in Iran, reaffirming their commitment to achieving democratic change. These activities include distributing leaflets, displaying pictures of resistance leaders with their quotes, and spreading anti-regime slogans on walls and banners in urban areas. Below is a summary of their recent efforts:<\/p>\n

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PMOI Resistance Units in cities across Iran continue anti-regime activities and reiterate their commitment to bring about democratic regime change.#PMOI<\/a> #ResistanceUnits<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/o4C1vzSwmP<\/a><\/p>\n

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 16, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n