Iran Faces Threat of Social Unrest Amid Economic and Environmental Crises

Iran’s ruling clerics confront rising fears of widespread social unrest due to severe economic turmoil, including exorbitant inflation and currency depreciation. Officials warn that systemic corruption has fueled public anger and that essential resources like water are becoming increasingly scarce. Protests are erupting across the country as the government struggles to address these critical issues amidst calls for accountability.

As economic difficulties intensify in Iran, the ruling clerics are expressing heightened concerns about a potential social explosion. Soaring inflation, a depreciating currency, and rising public discontent have prompted significant warnings from high-ranking officials and state media, highlighting fears of widespread unrest.

On March 1, President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran’s water crisis has escalated to a critical level. He described the threat posed by water imbalance to Tehran and surrounding regions as alarming during a visit to the IRNA news agency.

Deputy Minister of Water Operations and Development, Hessam Khosravi, announced that water rationing in Tehran may soon be necessary due to a 25% decline in rainfall compared to the previous year. This has severely depleted reservoirs, leaving Tehran’s major dams at only 6% of their capacity.

Protests occurred in Saman, Shahr-e Kord, and other cities in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, with demonstrators voicing their grievances regarding the water crisis, chanting threats of violence should their demands go unaddressed.

On March 3, 2025, Ahmad Tavakoli, chairman of the state-affiliated Transparency and Justice Watchdog, warned of the repercussions of pervasive corruption, emphasizing that the impoverished populace poses a risk of revolt. He attributed the economic collapse to corruption rather than foreign sanctions.

Tavakoli illustrated the depth of corruption in the regime, referencing the Debsh Tea scandal and the lavish spending on luxury goods amidst a backdrop of scarcity for essential items like medicine. He warned that if corruption remains unaddressed, violent social unrest may ensue.

The state-run publication Ham Miham reiterated Tavakoli’s message on March 1, cautioning that officials should fear an enraged populace. With inflation surpassing 40%, people are seeking refuge for their savings in gold and foreign currency, leading to escalating public frustration.

MP Ali-Asghar Nakhee acknowledged on February 28, 2025, that purchasing power has fallen by 40%, attributing this deterioration to the government’s mismanagement of exchange rates. He expressed concern that the minimum wage is inadequate for survival, warning of growing public dissatisfaction.

Despite warnings about public outrage, some officials are advocating for intensified fear tactics to suppress dissent. During a sermon on March 1, Mohammad Laini emphasized the need to instill fear in adversaries while recognizing the difficulties in tackling rampant inflation and currency instability.

As Iran grapples with escalating economic and social crises, officials increasingly voice concerns over potential public upheaval. With widespread corruption exacerbating economic challenges and basic goods becoming scarce, the regime’s inability to effectively manage the situation has led to growing unrest. The precarious balance between public anger and regime stability remains a significant concern for state officials, particularly as they navigate ongoing protests and calls for change.

Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org