Iran: Protests continue in several cities January 2 /update 7

Event

Anti-government protests continued for a sixth consecutive day in several Iranian cities on Tuesday, January 2. As of Tuesday afternoon (local time), protests had erupted in Tehran, Ahvaz (Khuzestan province), and Karaj (Alborz province). At least 21 people have been killed and over 1000 others arrested in protests across the country since they began on December 28, according to Iranian officials and state media. As of Tuesday, the use of certain social media platforms, including Telegram and Instagram, in Iran continued to be restricted.

On Monday, January 1, the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned its citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran, and for those in Iran to leave the country immediately. Bahrain is the first Gulf Arab state to issue such travel advice amid the ongoing unrest in Iran.

Additional demonstrations and counter-demonstrations (pro-government rallies) are expected in cities across Iran in the coming days. A heavy security presence is to be anticipated and further violence is likely.

Context

Protests against high prices, state economic policy, high unemployment, and perceived government corruption have sprung up in many cities across Iran, spreading from demonstrations that first occurred on December 28 in Mashhad. The ongoing protests are considered the largest such demonstrations expressing public dissatisfaction with the economic and sociopolitical status quo since the Green Movement protests of 2009. Pro-government counter-demonstrations also occurred in Tehran and other major cities on December 30.

The Iranian economy has generally improved since the country signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or "Iran nuclear deal," in 2015. Public frustration has risen in recent months, however, as many of the JCPOA's promised economic benefits have yet to reach much of the Iranian population.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to strictly avoid all protests and public gatherings, to closely monitor developments to the situation, and to adhere to all advice issued by their home governments. A heightened security presence should be anticipated across the country in the coming days; adopt a cooperative attitude in any interactions with local authorities.

In general, foreign nationals in Iran should maintain a low profile and refrain from commenting on the current political climate (including online), taking photographs of protests, or any other actions that could draw undue attention.