{"id":349119,"date":"2026-11-03T07:29:11","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T06:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=349119"},"modified":"2026-11-03T07:40:46","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T06:40:46","slug":"iran-news-in-brief-november-3-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-news-in-brief-november-3-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran News in Brief \u2013 November 3, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"October
October 31, 2026: Supporters of the NCRI staged a rally in Toronto, Canada, to denounce executions in Iran<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

UPDATE: 7:00 AM CET<\/strong><\/p>\n

Telecom Retirees, Farmers, And Environmentalists Confront State-Linked Cartels in Protests Across Iran<\/h3>\n

\"Protests<\/p>\n

On Monday, November 2, 2026, Iran witnessed a widespread wave of simultaneous protest rallies across occupational, agricultural, and environmental sectors in nine cities and provinces: Tehran, Isfahan, Kurdistan (Sanandaj and Bijar), Lorestan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Zahedan, and Shahroud. Retirees, farmers, and environmental activists took to the streets to denounce the looting of pension rights, the deprivation of winter fuel quotas for agriculture, and the destruction of natural and water resources by economic conglomerates affiliated with the Office of the Supreme Leader and the Iranian regime\u2019s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).<\/p>\n

Retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) held simultaneous protest gatherings in Tehran, Isfahan, Kurdistan (Sanandaj and Bijar), Lorestan, Kermanshah, and Ilam, demanding the payment of overdue benefits and the full implementation of the long-stalled 2010 employment and welfare regulations.<\/p>\n

Protesters directed their anger squarely at TCI\u2019s controlling shareholders\u2014the \u201cExecution of the Khomeini\u2019s Order\u201d (Setad) and the \u201cIRGC Cooperative Foundation\u201d\u2014identifying them as the primary culprits behind the plundering of company resources and the freezing of retirees\u2019 entitlements. In Isfahan, demonstrators highlighted the lawlessness of these state-backed entities, chanting: \u201cIran\u2019s Telecom does not recognize the law,\u201d \u201cThe major shareholder stole our rights,\u201d and \u201cWe will not rest until we reclaim our rights.\u201d Similar slogans were echoed in Sanandaj, Bijar, and Ilam, where retirees vowed to sustain their street presence until their misappropriated funds are fully restored.<\/p>\n

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

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Azadeh Alemi: A Life Devoted to Freedom and Resistance<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

To tell this story, we must go back several decades and travel to Iran. It is 1981. Three-year-old Azadeh Alemi encounters prison bars for the first time. She will spend six months there, in Hamedan Prison, alongside her grandmother. Shortly before that, just seven days apart, her two uncles, Hadi, aged 25, and Reza, aged 22, had been executed on charges of belonging to the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK). Even the wife of one of her uncles was not spared: she was killed while five months pregnant. At the time, Azadeh\u2019s mother, who was also affiliated with the PMOI\/MEK, was imprisoned and sentenced to eight years in prison, while her father and grandfather had fled into exile. Her grandmother had been arrested specifically to force her daughter to provide information.<\/p>\n

A few years later, at the age of six, Azadeh would return to prison, this time with her mother, who had recently been released. The two were confined in a cramped, cold and claustrophobic cell in Evin Prison, with a tiny window high up on the wall through which barely any light filtered. They had only two blankets spread out on the freezing floor. The only sound breaking the silence was that of the locks clanging each time her mother was taken out of the cell for interrogation and torture.<\/p>\n

It is 1988, just months before the massacre of political prisoners in Iran. Azadeh has already been released from prison when her mother, still detained, is freed as well, thereby escaping the fate that awaited her and reuniting with her daughter. This is when their flight to Turkey begins: accompanied by smugglers, mother and daughter cross the mountains along the border on horseback, leaving behind the life they had known in Iran.<\/p>\n

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

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Women in Ward 4 of Qarchak Prison Protest Food Poisoning<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Women prisoners held in Ward 4 of Qarchak Prison refused to accept prison meals on October 30, 2026, in protest against poor food<\/a> conditions and the distribution of spoiled food that caused food poisoning among a number of inmates.<\/h5>\n

According to reports from inside the prison, several women became ill after consuming prison food. However, no medical treatment or healthcare services were provided to the affected prisoners. Authorities at Qarchak Prison have shown little concern for the condition of those suffering from food poisoning.<\/p>\n

In addition to protesting the authorities\u2019 indifference toward sick prisoners, the women also objected to the poor quality and extremely small portions of food provided for lunch and dinner.<\/p>\n

Medical services in Qarchak Prison<\/a> remain in a critical condition. According to prisoners, each woman is allocated only one pain-relief tablet per month, while inmates are denied access to essential medicines and adequate medical care.<\/p>\n

Under such circumstances, the condition of prisoners suffering from food poisoning is particularly alarming, as they require timely medical examinations and treatment.<\/p>\n

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

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Iran Regime Promotes Nuclear Weapons Rhetoric Amid Economic Collapse and Fear of Social Unrest<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As Iran\u2019s economic crisis deepens and social tensions intensify, officials and affiliated figures of the ruling establishment have increasingly raised the prospect of revising the country\u2019s nuclear doctrine and pursuing nuclear weapons. The growing calls, coming from Friday prayer leaders, members of parliament, and regime supporters, point to an effort to turn the nuclear issue into an instrument of domestic propaganda and external intimidation.<\/p>\n

The timing is significant. With widespread economic hardship, declining public confidence, and growing concern within the establishment about another popular uprising, the regime is attempting to project an image of strength and strategic capability. Its increasingly explicit nuclear rhetoric appears designed to serve two purposes: restore the morale of its own weakened ranks and create fear among regional countries amid continuing military tensions.<\/p>\n

One of the most explicit calls came from Abdolali Haj-Ali Akbari, Tehran\u2019s Friday prayer leader, who questioned why the regime should not reconsider its nuclear doctrine.<\/p>\n

He claimed that more than 70 percent of Iranians supported such a change, citing an unspecified opinion poll without providing information about its date, methodology, or where it had been conducted.<\/p>\n

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

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Frankfurt Cultural Affairs Chief Boycotts Reza Pahlavi Award Ceremony Amid Growing Opposition<\/h3>\n

\"October<\/p>\n

Opposition to the planned presentation of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation\u2019s 2026 Freedom Prize to Reza Pahlavi in Frankfurt<\/a> is gaining momentum, with the city\u2019s cultural affairs chief announcing that she will boycott the November 7 ceremony at the historic Paulskirche.<\/p>\n

Ina Hartwig, a Social Democratic Party (SPD) politician responsible for cultural affairs in Frankfurt, described the foundation\u2019s decision as \u201cvery unfortunate\u201d and confirmed that she would not attend the event. Her announcement adds to growing criticism from political representatives, Iranian human rights activists, and members of the Iranian diaspora who reject the attempt to portray the son of Iran\u2019s former shah as a representative of the Iranian people.<\/p>\n

The controversy centers not simply on the choice of an individual recipient, but on the political implications of presenting a hereditary claimant associated with Iran\u2019s former monarchy as the symbolic representative of an entire population struggling for freedom and democracy.<\/p>\n

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

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Triple-Digit Inflation Hits Clothing and Footwear<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached 761.8 in October. Put simply, the cost of purchasing a fixed basket of goods and services has increased more than 7.6-fold compared with the base year of 2021\u20132022.<\/p>\n

According to the state-run Eghtesad Online newspaper, an analysis of the Statistical Center of Iran\u2019s October report and a comparison with historical index data indicate that new records have been set for overall inflation and inflation in several goods and services categories.\u00a0The overall Consumer Price Index rose from approximately 542.3 in March 2026 to 761.8 in October. Accordingly, prices increased by 40.5% between the beginning of the Iranian calendar year on March 22 and October 22.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

This represents the highest increase in the overall index during the first seven months of the Iranian calendar year, which begins on March 22, since 2011.<\/p>\n

The previous record was set in 2022, when prices increased by 31.2% during the first seven months of the year. This year\u2019s increase therefore exceeds the previous record by 9.3 percentage points. Annual inflation in the overall index also reached 76.8% in October, marking the highest figure in the entire available time series.<\/p>\n

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

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Insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz Drives Up Costs<\/h3>\n

\"Boats<\/p>\n

For some tanker owners, transiting the Strait of Hormuz is so profitable that they are willing to continue operating despite the risk of attack. But the same high freight rates that boost shipping companies\u2019 revenues also drive up the cost of transporting oil and goods\u2014a cost that is partly passed on to producers and ultimately to consumers.<\/p>\n

Recent reports of attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz show that the dispute between the Iranian regime and the United States over clearing naval mines is only part of the problem. Even if the main shipping routes are free of mines, the risk of being struck by a projectile or approached by attacking boats can still make passage costly and unsafe.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

In the latest incident, a tanker was struck by two explosive devices attached to its hull on Thursday, October 29, about 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman.<\/p>\n

According to Reuters, citing information from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the explosions caused a fire in the engine room and temporarily halted the vessel.<\/p>\n

This incident differs from striking mines drifting in or deliberately placed along a shipping route. The Iranian regime previously said that four tankers had exploded and caught fire after hitting mines. The claim has not been independently verified, and the US Central Command (CENTCOM), rejecting Tehran\u2019s account, has emphasized the clearance of the main shipping routes.<\/p>\n

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

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Electricity Prices Rise in Iran, Adding to the Burden on Citizens<\/h3>\n

\"Massive<\/p>\n

Since October 23, electricity bills for consumers in Iran have also included the cost of fuel used by power plants.<\/p>\n

The spokesperson for Iran\u2019s regime-controlled electricity industry said changes in power plants\u2019 fuel rates had affected the final cost of electricity, which is why fuel costs are now included in electricity bills.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Ehsan Zabihzadeh claimed that \u201cthere has been no increase whatsoever in electricity prices\u201d and noted that electricity bills go up once a year. He added that the cost is determined by a working group comprising representatives of the Ministries of Energy, Petroleum, and Economic Affairs and Finance, as well as the Plan and Budget Organization.<\/p>\n

No figure or percentage has been announced for the increase in electricity bills.<\/p>\n

The change comes ahead of a winter in which Iranian regime officials themselves have forecast fuel shortages.<\/p>\n

Mohammad Reza Aref, the regime\u2019s first vice president, said the government expects a daily gas shortfall of 100 million to 250 million cubic meters during the cold season, attributing it to damage caused by the war. He expressed hope that around 100 million cubic meters of gas supply could be restored by the start of winter.<\/p>\n

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

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Iran: Manouchehr Fallah, Father of a Daughter, at Risk of Execution<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Manouchehr Fallah, born in 1983\/84 and from Rasht, Gilan Province, worked as a sales representative before his arrest. He is the father of a daughter named Asal. The letter he wrote on 8 February 2025 to mark his only daughter\u2019s sixteenth birthday illustrates the impact of his imprisonment and death sentence on his family life.\u00a0Security forces arrested Fallah on 17 June 2023. The available information does not specify the exact place of arrest. According to the case information, the investigating judge granted bail, but the final registration of the bail and his provisional release did not take place. In his first case, Branch Three of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht, presided over by Mehdi Rasekhi, sentenced him to a total of 22 months and 17 days\u2019 imprisonment on charges of \u201cinsulting Khamenei\u201d and \u201cpropaganda against the system\u201d. The enforceable sentence was stated to be one year and three months and, according to the information provided, ended in July\u2013August 2024. He was nevertheless not released.<\/p>\n

On 22 July 2024, Fallah began a 28-day hunger strike in protest at the uncertainty surrounding his situation and the obstacles to his provisional release. In a second case, Branch Two of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht sentenced him to death for moharebeh (enmity against God) in 2024\/25. According to the available information, the hearing took place by videoconference without his chosen lawyers present. After the Supreme Court upheld the initial sentence, it was overturned following the acceptance of an application for retrial, and the case was referred to another branch of equal jurisdiction. In May\u2013June 2026, Branch One of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht, presided over by Ahmad Darvish-Goftar, again imposed the death sentence. According to the latest report, dated 21 October 2026, the Supreme Court upheld this sentence as well, and the case was referred to the Criminal Sentences Enforcement Unit in Rasht.<\/p>\n

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

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Iran\u2013US Negotiations: Internal Political Differences, the Prospect of Renewed Conflict<\/h3>\n

\"mohsen-rezaei-raisi-cabinet\"<\/p>\n

Relations between Iran and the United States remain uncertain as diplomatic contacts continue alongside military preparations.<\/p>\n

The American midterm elections introduce additional political considerations into Washington\u2019s decision-making.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have expressed different positions concerning negotiations, nuclear restrictions and the conditions necessary for an agreement.<\/p>\n

Middle East security analysis generally distinguishes between political disagreement, institutional competition and an actual breakdown of decision-making. These distinctions are particularly relevant when examining Iran\u2019s complex political structure.<\/p>\n

President Masoud Pezeshkian has supported diplomatic engagement, indicating that Iran\u2019s leadership has authorized the government to pursue negotiations.<\/p>\n

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also expressed support for diplomatic efforts while emphasizing Iran\u2019s preparedness for further military confrontation.<\/p>\n

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

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Toronto Rally Condemns Executions, Demands Freedom for Political Prisoners and Regime Change in Iran<\/h3>\n

Toronto, Canada \u2013 October 31, 2026: Supporters of the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK<\/a>) staged a rally in Toronto to denounce executions in Iran, pay tribute to victims of the nationwide uprising, and highlight the plight of political prisoners and protesters facing execution.<\/p>\n

<\/div>
Toronto Rally Condemns Executions, Demands Freedom for Political Prisoners & Regime Change in Iran\u20131<\/div><\/div>