A day after the Iranian government announced the lifting of restrictions on WhatsApp and Google Play, media and users erupted in outrage, accusing it of hypocrisy following the release of a 32-point plan to tighten and compartmentalize Internet access.
While the US dollar reached a new high against Iran’s currency on Wednesday, an economist warned that without an agreement with Washington soon, inflation could climb above 40% before the Iranian New Year in March.
The world is witnessing a period of significant regional setbacks and retreats for the Islamic Republic. After two decades of massive financial expenditures and international isolation, Tehran’s strongholds and allies are crumbling one by one across the region.
Despite a 20% surge in oil exports, Iran's GDP growth in the first half of the current Iranian calendar year starting March 21 significantly declined due to a recession in other sectors, such as agriculture, industries, and the service sector.
Power cuts in Iran, now at unprecedented levels, are severely damaging some of the country's critical industries which are now struggling to pay workers and keep businesses afloat.
Iran's energy-rich government is bracing for potential unrest amid rolling blackouts and rising gasoline prices, with judicial, security and intelligence services briefed to be ready for a response.
Iran's Supreme Leader on Sunday openly opposed Syria's new government, spoke of the need to overthrow it, and announced plans to form a group to combat the Damascus administration.
Millions of Iranian families will celebrate the ancient Winter Solstice festival on Friday evening, though many have scaled back their budgets for the occasion, with businesses reporting a notable drop in sales.
Iranian hardliners who ironically spent time in the United States are responsible for pushing policies which deepen Iran's isolation and weakness, a leading centrist news outlet fulminated this week.
Three prominent centrist and conservative figures in Iran have suggested that the country’s political doctrine must change to address its ongoing problems, especially the economic impasse.
A senior Iranian military officer has expressed concern over the ideological influence of Iran's enemies and the risk of losing out in a technological race for armaments, in a potential sign of greater official unease following regional setbacks.
Syria's new ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has appointed a deputy for Iranian affairs known for his jihadist sermons as the group builds ties with Iran's Sunnis in a bid to reduce Tehran's influence in the country.
Recent regional setbacks have further weakened Iran’s hardliners at home, with increasing criticism from within the establishment holding them responsible for mismanagement and misdirection in the country’s foreign and domestic affairs.