Iran’s judiciary chief has instructed prosecutors and law enforcement forces to address potential unrest over widespread fuel shortages and power and gas outages.
Highlighting growing dissatisfaction, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei directed the attorney general and provincial prosecutors to cooperate with security forces to prevent unrest, emphasizing that decisive action is needed to maintain stability during this critical period.
Nationwide measures to combat air pollution and the energy crisis, including the closure of government offices, schools, and public places as well as reduced industrial operations began earlier this month.
These closures are costing the country's economy an estimated 50,000 billion rials (over $63 million) daily.
Businesses struggle with full wage payments despite reduced hours, exacerbating existing financial burdens. These disruptions also threaten the government's projected 39% tax revenue increase for the next fiscal year.
Despite possessing vast oil and gas reserves, Iran's energy challenges are expected to persist due to the combined impact of international sanctions and domestic economic policies that have constrained investment. The potential reinstatement of broader sanctions under a future US administration could further exacerbate Iran's economic vulnerabilities.
Violent protests shook Iran in November 2019, when the government suddenly tripled gasoline prices.
