{"id":328630,"date":"2025-02-13T08:06:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T07:06:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=328630"},"modified":"2025-02-13T13:38:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T12:38:35","slug":"iran-news-in-brief-february-13-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-news-in-brief-news\/iran-news-in-brief-february-13-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran News in Brief \u2013 February 13, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Residents and workers of Tehran’s Chahardange Neighborhood protested against the power blackouts and systemic mismanagement by the state on February 12, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS<\/h3>\n

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

Iran Nuclear Tensions Escalate as White House Reaffirms Trump\u2019s Red Line<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s stance against the Iranian regime\u2019s nuclear ambitions during a press briefing on Tuesday, making it clear that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities remains a \u201cred line\u201d for his administration.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe president has made it very clear that he will never allow Iran to have nuclear capabilities,\u201d Leavitt stated<\/a>. \u201cThat is a red line that he has drawn, and he will not allow that to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her remarks come as Trump reactivates his “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran, reviving sanctions and seeking to curb the regime\u2019s nuclear activities. The policy shift follows the regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei\u2019s outright rejection of new negotiations with the United States, casting doubt on diplomatic prospects.<\/p>\n

When asked why Trump remains open to a deal despite the Supreme Leader\u2019s refusal, Leavitt emphasized his negotiation prowess. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has escalated economic pressure on Iran, particularly targeting its oil exports. While he has expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution, he has also warned of severe consequences should Iran pursue nuclear weapons development.<\/p>\n

Tehran, for its part, has dismissed Washington\u2019s threats and insists on continuing its nuclear and missile programs. Iranian officials have repeatedly ruled out talks with the U.S.<\/p>\n

\n

UPDATE: 11:00 AM CET<\/span><\/p>\n

Iranian Regime\u2019s Influence in Syria Draws U.S. Condemnation at UN Security Council Meeting<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The United States has once again condemned Iran\u2019s ongoing interference in Syria, warning of its attempts to reestablish influence through newly formed militant groups. During a UN Security Council briefing on Syria\u2019s political and humanitarian situation, Ambassador Dorothy Shea<\/a>, the U.S. Charg\u00e9 d\u2019Affaires ad interim, underscored the Iranian regime\u2019s destabilizing role in the country. \u201cFor many years, the Assad regime allowed Iran and its terrorist proxies, including Hizballah, to use Syrian territory to threaten regional security and traffic dangerous weapons,\u201d Shea stated, adding that despite Iran\u2019s supposed withdrawal from Syria, there are \u201cwarning signs\u201d that Tehran is actively working to regain a foothold.<\/p>\n

The ambassador pointed to newly formed groups in Syria, which, according to reports, have been receiving financial and logistical support from Iran and are inciting violence, including efforts to draw Israel into direct conflict. Shea called on the international community to confront the regime\u2019s destabilizing actions, stating, \u201cWe must collectively call on Iran to stop undermining Syria\u2019s stability and security.\u201d<\/p>\n

The remarks reflect growing concerns within Washington over Tehran\u2019s persistent military entrenchment in Syria, despite claims of a reduced presence. The UN briefing also addressed ongoing armed hostilities in northern Syria, where the United States continues to seek a ceasefire to enable local forces to focus on counterterrorism operations against ISIS.<\/p>\n

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, as U.S. officials warn that Iran\u2019s resurgence in Syria poses a direct threat to regional security and could further complicate efforts for a political resolution to the conflict.<\/p>\n

\n

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

Iran\u2019s Regime Embarrasses Itself on Anniversary of 1979 Revolution<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Every year, the Iranian regime attempts to salvage its fractured and dire situation or to feign popular support by holding the so-called Ten Days of Dawn (Decade of Fajr), a series of celebrations commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 revolution. Preparations for these state-organized events begin long in advance, and all government bodies are mobilized to maximize participation.<\/p>\n

This year, more than ever, the regime focused on revitalizing this lackluster display with various well-known ploys, yet the result was more shameful than ever. Statements by regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei reveal the regime\u2019s need for this mobilization:<\/p>\n

\u201cMy insistence on the maximum and general presence of the Iranian nation is because I see and know that the unified presence of the people, the enthusiastic, hopeful, and powerful presence of the people, will disappoint the enemy; when the enemy is disappointed, it will lose its effectiveness.<\/p>\n

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

\n

How Regime Corruption Fuels the Public Health Crisis in Iran<\/h3>\n

\"iran-tehran-air-pollution-19022021\"<\/p>\n

In its endless streams of crimes against the people, Iran\u2019s regime is willing to strangle even \u201coxygen\u201d and \u201cair\u201d to maintain its hold on power. Fuel shortages amid deadly cold and the deaths of thousands due to air pollution are yet another disaster of the clerical regime, despite Iran possessing the second-largest natural gas reserves in the world.\u00a0According to regime-affiliated media, on Tuesday, February 11, most schools across various provinces were closed due to air pollution and severe cold. The state-run Khabar Online reported, \u201cThe Tehran Meteorological Office has warned about the gradual accumulation of pollutants and declining air quality until Thursday, February 13.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\n

Iran Faces Looming Pharmaceutical Crisis as Pharmacies Grapple with Unpaid Debts<\/h3>\n

\"Iran-Pharmacy\"<\/p>\n

The Iranian Pharmacists Association has issued a stark warning about an impending pharmaceutical crisis due to the government\u2019s failure to settle its debts with pharmacies. In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, the association demanded the immediate and full payment of outstanding debts, cautioning that failure to act would lead to severe disruptions in the country\u2019s drug supply.<\/p>\n

The crisis stems from the failure of the Social Security Organization and the Targeted Subsidies Organization to fulfill their financial obligations to pharmacies. According to the Pharmacists Association, these organizations have not paid their debts for months, resulting in a critical liquidity shortage for pharmacies and the broader pharmaceutical supply chain.<\/p>\n

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

\n

Iran\u2019s Deepening Food Crisis: A Reality Beyond Political Promises<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian regime\u2019s president, who had pledged during his election campaign to address economic challenges, has failed to deliver on his promises. Nearly six months into his administration, instead of providing an explanation for the lack of progress, he remarked, \u201cIf the enemy surrounds us, we will not die of hunger.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, even official data from government institutions\u2014including the Central Bank, the Statistics Center, the Ministry of Cooperatives Labour and Social Welfare, and the Parliamentary Research Center\u2014paint a starkly different picture.<\/p>\n

Food poverty in Iran is severe, with many citizens unable to meet minimum nutritional requirements. A significant number of patients not only struggle to afford treatment and medication but are unable even to see a doctor.<\/p>\n

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

\n

A Death-Row Political Prisoner\u2019s Letter to His Daughter on Her Sixteenth Birthday<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Manouchehr Fallah<\/a>, a death-row political prisoner, writes a letter filled with love to his only daughter, Asal, on her sixteenth birthday.\u00a0In this deeply emotional message, he speaks of the hardships of captivity and the shadow of his impending execution, a letter that is not only a testament to suffering but also a legacy of resilience and hope.<\/p>\n

My Dearest Asal,<\/p>\n

One day, the sun of freedom will rise over this land, a dawn that demands a heavy price. This time, fate has chosen me to pay for it. But remember, hope never dies, and one day, our homeland will break free from the chains of oppression and tyranny.<\/p>\n

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

\n

The Poverty Line in Iran: A Worsening Situation<\/h3>\n

\"iran<\/p>\n

According to estimates by economic and social experts, the relative poverty line in Iran has reached approximately 350 million rials (about $370) per month. This figure highlights the deep gap between the income of wage earners and the actual cost of living in the face of severe inflation. Currently, the minimum wage for a worker with two children is around 110 million rials (about $116).\u00a0Hamid Haj Esmaeili, a labor market expert, told the state-run Khabar Online that before making any decisions regarding the minimum wage, the government must first define the poverty line as a clear and reliable economic indicator. He stressed the need for the government and statistical institutions such as the Statistical Center of Iran and the Central Bank to have the courage to present a realistic definition of the poverty line, arguing that \u201cwithout this step, negotiations on setting the minimum wage will be fruitless.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\n

Iran\u2019s Economy in Freefall: A Looming Hunger Crisis<\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s economy, long plagued by structural inflation, is now facing an alarming crisis as food price inflation outpaces general inflation. This phenomenon has had severe repercussions for low- and middle-income households, pushing the country to the brink of widespread hunger.<\/p>\n

According to official data from the Iranian Statistical Center,\u00a0point-to-point inflation in January 2025 reached 31.8%. However, beyond this concerning figure lies the stark reality of skyrocketing prices of essential goods, which have exacerbated economic disparities and placed millions of Iranians in a precarious situation.<\/p>\n

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

\n

The Teacher Shortage Crisis in Iran and the Decline in Student Performance<\/h3>\n

\"Iran<\/p>\n

Nader Karimi Beiranvand, Director General of Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education, stated that the \u201cteacher shortage crisis\u201d is one of the most serious challenges facing the education system and has a direct impact on the quality of education across the country.<\/p>\n

According to the state-run ISNA news agency, Karimi said, \u201cThis issue is no longer limited to underprivileged areas, and even provinces such as Tehran are experiencing a severe teacher shortage.\u201d<\/p>\n

He noted that despite the hiring of new teachers in the past two years, the rising number of secondary school students has made the shortage even more noticeable, and addressing it remains one of the main challenges for the education system.<\/p>\n

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

\n

Iranian Intelligence Agents Arrest Two Christian Citizens in Tehran<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Iranian intelligence agents have arrested two Christian citizens in Tehran. The detainees have been identified as Naser Nourd Gol-Tapeh and Joseph Shahbazian.<\/p>\n

According to reports, in the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025, security forces raided the residence of Joseph Shahbazian in Tehran and Naser Nourd Gol-Tapeh in the city of Parand, arresting both individuals. Following their detention, they were transferred to Evin Prison.<\/p>\n

Naser Nourd Gol-Tapeh has begun a hunger strike in protest against what he calls his unlawful detention since his arrival at Evin Prison.<\/p>\n

Both Shahbazian and Gol-Tapeh have previously been arrested on charges related to their Christian faith and the expression of their religious beliefs.<\/p>\n

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

\n

Arrest and Sentencing of Political Prisoner Peyman Kazemi in Iran<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Peyman Kazemi, a 30-year-old political activist, was arrested at his private residence in Amlash on Friday, March 8, 2024, by intelligence forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. According to informed sources, when his family visited the police station to inquire about his status, they were referred to the IRGC intelligence department. According to published information, Peyman Kazemi was sentenced to five years in prison\u2014of which three years are enforceable\u2014on charges of \u201cpropaganda against the regime,\u201d \u201cinsulting the leader,\u201d and \u201cspreading false information.\u201d He is currently serving his sentence in Rudsar Prison.<\/p>\n

Peyman Kazemi has not taken any leave during his imprisonment and has declared that he will never request furlough from the prison authorities. He stated: \u201cThey will be forced to open the prison gates on my release day, and I will walk out with my head held high.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\n

MEK Supporters Exhibition in Paris Sheds Light on Human Rights Violations in Iran<\/h3>\n
<\/div>
Exhibition in Paris Sheds Light on Human Rights Violations in Iran - February 11, 2025 - Part 1<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>