Kanal13Iran is facing a growing internal crisis, which, according to some analysts, could become no less dangerous for the authorities than external pressure. The country is simultaneously experiencing power and water shortages, a sharp rise in the cost of living, increased repression, and a deteriorating economic situation. Maariv writes about this .
The energy crisis remains one of the most pressing issues. Authorities have already imposed regular power cuts in industrial areas, and planned outages are expected to continue for several months. The outages are shutting down businesses, reducing production, and increasing pressure on the economy.
The water supply situation is no less dire. In some cities, residents receive water only for a few hours a week. Drought has already hit agriculture: farmers are warning of crop failure, and water shortages are threatening food production. At the same time, the population’s standard of living continues to deteriorate.
According to estimates, a significant portion of family income is spent on purchasing basic necessities. Following the reduction of government subsidies, prices for food, medicine, and education have risen significantly, and some businesses are reporting months-long delays in wage payments. At the same time, the authorities are tightening their grip on society. In Tehran, popular cafes, long a popular hangout for young people, are being inspected and closed for various violations, ranging from non-compliance with dress codes to administrative charges.
Amid growing discontent, the regime is also tightening its repressive measures. Human rights activists report a sharp increase in the number of death sentences and executions, including against protesters and those accused of crimes against state security. Meanwhile, protest activity continues unabated. Discontent continues in various regions of the country, and armed clashes between security forces and anti-government groups have been reported in some areas.
According to foreign media reports, some underground organizations are attempting to expand their reach and obtain weapons. İn this case rumors surrounding Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei continue to mount in Iran. According to sources at the opposition publication Iran International, President Masoud Pezeshkian first met with him under extremely unusual circumstances, after which he allegedly could not say with certainty whether he had indeed spoken with the new leader of the Islamic Republic. According to the publication’s sources, the president had long sought a personal meeting with the Supreme Leader.
It is claimed that after several refusals and threats to resign, he was finally granted an audience, although not at the official residence. Sources claim that presidential security was sent to a secret location in Tehran, where Pezeshkian was transferred to a car with completely tinted windows. According to them, the entire conversation took place in complete darkness, without eye contact, and security allegedly did not even allow the two men to shake hands. The meeting lasted only a few minutes. Afterward, the president was allegedly so surprised by what had happened that he asked his aides whether the voice he had heard really belonged to Mojtaba Khamenei. Sources did not specify whether this was a sign of disbelief or irritation.
This information, however, contradicts Pezeschkian’s previous public statements. He previously said he held a lengthy meeting with the new Supreme Leader in a “warm and friendly atmosphere.” However, according to Iran International, the president’s subsequent requests for another official meeting were rejected. The new Supreme Leader’s lack of public activity also raises further questions. According to opposition media, not a single official photo, video, or audio message from Mojtaba Khamenei has been published in the months since his appointment. Against this backdrop, various explanations for this secrecy have emerged in Iran. In particular, state media have suggested that the publication of the audio recordings could allow foreign intelligence agencies to determine the leader’s location or obtain information about his health.
