Social and Political

Iran-HRM – Since March 19, large parts of Iran have been affected by heavy rainfall that caused disastrous flash floods. A large number of people have lost their lives and an even bigger number of people have been injured or have lost their homes to severe damage. Report indicate that the regime has tried to cover up the extent of …

RFL/RE – The speaker of Iraq’s parliament wants the United States to extend a waiver that allows it to buy electricity from Iran for at least three years, saying it will take that long before the oil-rich country can manage on its own. “Hopefully, this waiver will be extended until Iraq can stand on its feet economically,” speaker Muhammad al-Halbusi …

CHRI – Iranian authorities have warned citizens that they could be prosecuted for their online postings about the flooding that has resulted in dozens of deaths and destroyed homes and infrastructure in several provinces throughout the country. “Not only has the Iranian government been negligent, it has also warned victims’ families and those who have suffered losses that they will …

Al-Monitor – The Supreme National Labor Council has finally determined how much the minimum wage should increase for both state and private employees after a long period of squabbling involving the Iranian government, labor advocates, lawmakers and employers. Workers, whose purchasing power has dwindled in the face of a surge in inflation and who have been staging numerous strikes and …

Al-monitor – As dramatic videos of deadly floods leaving behind destroyed vehicles and other damage circulate on Iranian social media networks, ordinary Iranians are doing what they can to help the affected citizens, including travelers whose Nowruz holidays have been unexpectedly disrupted. A 10-minute flash flood in the city of Shiraz, perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the country’s south, killed …

Radiofarda – Iranian officials have warned that two dams in southwestern Iran are reaching their limits and face a crisis, as several cities in the region can be inundated by floods on Friday. Iran – President Hassan Rouhani visiting Khuzestan Province to manage flood crisis. March 29, 2019 Water and electricity authority in the oil-rich Khuzestan province warned March 28 …

Radiofarda – The deputy head of Iran’s disaster emergency agency has said that the number of those killed in recent floods has reached 44 people, Mehr news agency reports. Meanwhile, Iran Meteorological Agency (IRMO) has announced that in coming days more floods might hit the country. The fact that in many regions the ground is saturated the chance of more …

RFL/RL – A top U.S. sanctions official is in Asia to push efforts to increase pressure on Iran, saying Washington was intent on making Tehran “radioactive to the international community.” Sigal Mandelker, the U.S. Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in Singapore on March 29 that she would stress in further meetings this week with officials in Malaysia, …

Al-Monitor – US President Donald Trump’s March 21 decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights has sparked widespread international reaction. While European countries announced that they would not follow suit, Russia expressed concern over the “negative repercussions” of the move. Turkey adopted a more active stance, calling for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Trump’s announcement …

Radiofarda – Welcome 1398 Iranians ushered in a new year March 21, according to the Persian calendar. Looking back, the past year has been rife with economic crisis and public unrest leading to protests questioning the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic. Where do the country’s key figures stand now, and what can we expect from them in the coming year? …