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Week of December 23, 2024 | Iran Unfiltered is a digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council
In a significant move toward increased internet freedom, Iranian officials and social media users confirmed the unblocking of WhatsApp and Google Play on Wednesday, December 25. The decision, implemented following a directive from the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, aligns with President Masoud Pezeshkian’s campaign promise to reduce censorship and improve digital access for citizens.
IRNA, Iran’s official news agency, announced that access to WhatsApp and Google Play is now unrestricted across all internet providers. Many users on X confirmed that they could now use the services without a VPN, marking a major shift in digital accessibility. This development may indicate the government’s recognition of the importance of free access to essential digital platforms in modern life, though many other apps and services still remain banned
The unblocking has been widely welcomed by both reformists and moderates. Reformist newspapers praised the decision as a notable achievement for Pezeshkian’s administration, reflecting its commitment to fulfilling promises of reducing digital restrictions. Moderate voices in Parliament also applauded the move, emphasizing its role in improving public satisfaction and trust in government decisions. For instance, Member of Parliament Mohammad Movahed stated, “We must respect this decision and prioritize the people’s needs over external pressures.”
Notably, some conservative outlets described the unblocking as a product of collaborative decision-making within the government, emphasizing the importance of “rule-based governance” in managing the digital landscape. This approach underscores a potential shift toward addressing public demands while maintaining a structured strategy for digital governance.
While this decision is a significant step forward, it is seen by many as part of a larger plan to enhance access to global platforms. Speculation about the potential unblocking of Instagram and YouTube further reflects optimism for continued progress in digital accessibility. Such steps could pave the way for fostering the trust, innovation, and global connectivity that Iran has been deprived of for so long.
Although overwhelmingly positive, the decision has sparked concerns among some stakeholders. Reports suggest that future measures, such as regulating VPN usage or introducing tiered internet access, could present challenges for maintaining equitable and unrestricted access to the global web. However, proponents of the decision argue that these discussions are part of a broader effort to strike a balance between digital governance and public freedom.
At this current juncture, the unblocking of WhatsApp and Google Play represents a meaningful stride in enhancing digital access in Iran. It sets a hopeful precedent for further advancements in internet freedom that are still deeply needed in tandem with careful, inclusive policy-making.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has traveled to Beijing for high-level talks with Chinese officials. Upon his arrival, Araghchi remarked to IRIB News that Iran’s nuclear file will require intensified consultations with China as the expiration of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) agreement approaches in October 2025.
During his visit, Araghchi published an article in People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, expressing optimism for a “new chapter” in Iran-China relations. In his article, Araghchi emphasized the mutual stance of both nations against “unilateralism and hegemonic practices” and praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s foreign policy approach. He stated, “Iran and China will stand on the right side of history, championing development, prosperity, cooperation, and friendship among global South countries.”
Araghchi highlighted shared perspectives between Iran and China on critical issues in the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian crisis. He stressed the urgency of a ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid, describing these actions as top priorities for both nations.
Since the signing of a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement between Iran and China two years ago, the two countries have deepened their economic and diplomatic ties. China remains Iran’s largest crude oil customer, reportedly helping Iran bypass U.S. sanctions through discreet mechanisms such as “dark fleets” and covert refining operations. However, Iran continues to face challenges in accessing the revenues from these oil sales – due to additional sanctions – often offered at significant discounts.
Critics within Iran view this partnership as overly dependent on China and argue that it echoes previous unfavorable treaties. Despite such concerns, the Iranian government portrays the agreement as a vital lifeline amid ongoing U.S. sanctions.
Araghchi’s visit to China underscores Tehran’s broader efforts to strengthen alliances while navigating complex regional dynamics. As Iran seeks to bolster its ties with China and maintain its influence in the Middle East, it faces mounting challenges, including international scrutiny of its nuclear activities and increasingly strained economic circumstances.
This latest diplomatic engagement with Beijing signals Iran’s intention to recalibrate its foreign policy amidst shifting global and regional landscapes. Whether this approach will yield long-term stability or exacerbate existing tensions remains to be seen.
On the evening of Friday, December 20, Iranians around the world came together to celebrate Yalda Night, marking the end of the longest night of the year. This ancient tradition, symbolizing the triumph of light and hope over darkness, has been observed for centuries as a time for family gatherings, storytelling, and sharing delicious treats. Yet, this year’s celebrations were tinged with a sense of hardship, as economic struggles and rising costs cast a shadow over the festivities.
While Yalda is most prominently associated with Iran, the celebration of the winter solstice and its symbolic meanings are shared by several other cultures in the region. In Afghanistan, Yalda is celebrated with many of the same traditions, including family gatherings, the reading of poetry, and enjoying fruits like pomegranates and melons. Similarly, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with their shared Persian heritage, mark the occasion with rituals deeply rooted in Zoroastrian and Persian cultural traditions.
In the Kurdish regions of Iraq, Turkey, and Syria, Yalda Night is also observed, often as part of broader celebrations of nature and renewal. The Kurdish name for the event, “Shab-e Cheleh,” reflects linguistic and cultural ties to the Persian world.
Even in the Caucasus region, particularly in Armenia and Azerbaijan, elements of Yalda traditions appear in local winter solstice customs, albeit with regional adaptations. These shared traditions underscore the deep cultural connections across these nations, linked by history, language, and the Zoroastrian heritage.
Across Iranian cities and villages, families maintained the custom of gathering around the Yalda table, but the lavish spreads of past years have given way to simpler offerings given ongoing economic turmoil. Pomegranates and watermelons, traditionally symbols of abundance and prosperity, have become markers of the economic challenges many families face. Images of bare Yalda tables, such as one shared by workers on the “South Pars Offshore Platforms’ Third Party”, highlighted the growing disparities and the neglect faced by certain groups in society.
The Head of the Iranian Dry Fruits and Nuts Working Group reported that purchasing power for Yalda-related items has dropped by 50% compared to last year. Nuts and dried fruits, staples of the Yalda table, ranged in price from 300,000 to 700,000 tomans per kilogram, but premium varieties reached prices as high as 1,300,000 tomans, making them unaffordable for many.
Similarly, the cost of sweets has seen unprecedented increases. According to Eghtesad 100, the price of fresh cream-filled pastries, a favorite treat during Yalda, has nearly doubled from 140,000–185,000 tomans last year to approximately 300,000 tomans this year. These sharp price hikes have made traditional Yalda treats a luxury rather than a common delight.
Despite these challenges, Iranians and others in the region have shown remarkable resilience and creativity in preserving their traditions. Many families have adapted their celebrations, emphasizing the symbolic meaning of Yalda rather than its material aspects. Stories of past hardships, reflections on the year gone by, and expressions of hope for the future were at the heart of this year’s gatherings.
Amid these difficulties, Yalda remains a powerful symbol of endurance and renewal. The celebration of the winter solstice serves as a reminder of the cycles of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. For Iranians, Afghans, Tajiks, Kurds, and others, the longest night is always followed by the promise of longer, brighter days – a sentiment that resonates deeply during these challenging times.
On Monday, December 23, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz publicly admitted Israel’s responsibility for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran. This marks the first official acknowledgment by Israel of its involvement in the killing, which occurred earlier this year.
Speaking on the matter, Katz declared, “In these times, as the terrorist organization Houthis launch missiles toward Israel, we intend to send them a clear message.” He continued, “We defeated Hamas, Hezbollah, and blinded Iran’s defensive systems, damaging their missile production facilities.” Katz further warned, “What we did in Gaza, Lebanon, and Tehran, we will also do in Sanaa and Hodeidah, targeting the Houthis’ strategic infrastructure. We will eliminate their leaders, just as we did with Haniyeh, Sinwar, and Nasrallah.” The remarks, broadcast by Israel’s public broadcaster, were accompanied by an official statement from Katz taking responsibility for the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran for the first time.
Haniyeh, who served as the head of Hamas’ political bureau, was killed on July 31, 2024, just one day after attending the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran. Initial reports from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that Haniyeh and his guard were killed in an attack on their accommodation. However, details remained vague. The IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency later reported that Haniyeh had been targeted by a projectile while staying on the fourth floor of a building in the affluent district of Tehran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reacted strongly to Katz’s admission. Iranian officials characterized the statements as a “brazen confession” and condemned the assassination as a “heinous crime.”
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, issued a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council on Tuesday, December 24, denouncing the attack. Iravani emphasized, “This is the first time Israel has openly accepted its responsibility for this heinous crime.” He further described Katz’s statements as an “unprecedented escalation” and called on the international community to condemn Israel’s actions.
Iranian officials also reiterated their commitment to seeking justice for Haniyeh’s assassination, framing it as an attack on a prominent figure in the resistance against Israeli aggression and highlighting its implications for regional stability.
The Iranian government continues its systematic repression of activists and dissenters, with harsh sentences handed down to prominent individuals in recent weeks. These cases highlight the ongoing challenges faced by civil society and the harsh measures employed to silence voices advocating for human rights and freedom within Iran.
Zeinab Zaman, a feminist activist, was sentenced to six months in prison, fined 500 million rials, and barred from social interactions with politically or socially active individuals for five years. Her lawyer and brother, Abuzar Zaman, revealed that the charges were initially for “propaganda against the regime” but were later changed to “spreading false information.” Zeinab’s ordeal began on November 4, 2024, when she was summoned to the District 33 Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Tehran. She was temporarily released on bail before her trial in Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court, where the sentence was finalized.
Meanwhile, Amirhossein Maghsoudlou, widely known as Amir Tataloo, has been granted a retrial by Iran’s Supreme Court, overturning his five-year prison sentence on charges of “blasphemy” for allegedly insulting the Prophet. Tataloo, a controversial singer, was arrested in Turkey last year and extradited to Iran. He had been sentenced by the Criminal Court of Tehran Province for his music and videos, deemed offensive by authorities. In addition, Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court upheld another 10-year sentence for “corruption, prostitution, and propaganda against the regime.” The retrial of his blasphemy case will now be handled by the Tehran Criminal Court.
Adding to the list of targeted activists, Majid Tavakoli, a prominent political activist and former student leader, has been sentenced to two years in prison. The Tehran Court of Appeal, Branch 21, also imposed further restrictions, including a two-year ban on activism, a prohibition on residing in Tehran, and a travel ban. This verdict comes after Tavakoli’s arrest during the nationwide protests of 2022. Known for his activism during his student years at Amirkabir University, Tavakoli previously served four years in prison following his arrest during the 2009 Green Movement protests. His international contributions were recognized with the International Student Peace Prize in 2013.
These cases underline the harsh realities for activists in Iran, as the government uses a combination of legal tools and security measures to suppress dissent. From charges of blasphemy to accusations of propaganda and spreading false information, the state continues to target those who challenge its authority. Despite these efforts, the bravery and resilience of activists like Zeinab Zaman and Majid Tavakoli remain symbols of defiance in the face of repression.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the detention of Cecilia Sala, a 29-year-old journalist, in Tehran. Sala, known for her work with the Italian newspaper Il Foglio and her popular podcast at Cora Media, was detained on December 19, 2024, during a reporting trip in Iran.
According to the ministry’s statement on December 27, Sala was stopped and arrested by Iranian authorities while working on a series of stories. She is currently held in solitary confinement in Evin Prison, a facility notorious for housing political prisoners and journalists. No official reason has been provided for her arrest.
Sala’s work in Iran included conducting interviews and producing episodes for her podcast, Stories. She entered the country with a valid journalist visa on December 12 and was scheduled to return to Rome on December 20, just one day after her arrest.
The Italian Foreign Ministry has emphasized its dedication to securing Sala’s release. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has instructed the country’s embassy and consulate in Tehran to closely follow the case. Paola Amadei, Italy’s ambassador to Iran, visited Sala in Evin Prison to assess her condition. Sala has also been allowed to contact her family twice by phone.
Cora Media, in a separate statement, revealed that the news of Sala’s detention was initially withheld to increase the chances of a quiet resolution. However, as efforts to secure her release failed, the ministry, in coordination with Sala’s family, decided to go public. They have called on the press to advocate for her freedom.
Sala is not the first journalist to face detention in Iran for reporting. Over the years, several foreign and dual-national reporters, including Roxana Saberi, Jason Rezaian, Roger Cooper, and Maziar Bahari, have been arrested, highlighting the precarious conditions for journalists in the country.
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