The economic and social problems in Iran are growing in recent days. Protests against the incumbent authority are intensifying, and almost every day there are clashes between the masses and government forces in various provinces of Iran.

Especially after the November 2019 uprising, in which more than 1,500 protesters were killed during rallies, such clashes have become commonplace. Last week, hundreds of retirees rallied in several provinces to protest the regime, according to Iranian non-opposition websites. A report said the main reason was low pensions and salaries and constantly soaring prices in local markets. Inflation in the country is at its peak, and even a retiree cannot buy more than three kilograms of fruit for a family. This information was published on the Iranian news website ‘Qatreh’ last week following the protests. Interestingly, another state-run daily news website, ‘Vatane Emruz’ commented, "The tables are empty, and the economic gaps in the country boost the anger of people towards the government." This shows that the Iranian government is already experiencing serious internal problems as a result of growing public discontent.

According to Iranian media, the government is trying to cover up such actions under various pretexts. The regime uses the people's dissatisfaction as an excuse to oppose the sanctions imposed by the West against Iran. As for the protests, the Iranian government arrests the protesters and, if necessary, imposes the death penalty.

In his exclusive interview to Eurasia Diary, political expert Sadraddin Soltan, head of the Centre for Middle East Studies, gave detailed comments on the subject. He also commented on Iran's political and economic relations in the Caucasus, as well as with Azerbaijan.

According to the political expert, the protests against the regime in Iran began years ago after the wars between Iraq and Iran. Thus, the eight-year war exhausted both sides, and Iran, which was shaken from inside, had to establish the theocratic mullah regime.

"When Rafsanjani came to power at that time, the Iranian people said that the turbaned Gorbachev had come to the country. Everyone hoped that the new reforms would increase prosperity. But neither Rafsanjani, nor Mohammad Khatami, nor Ahmad Najat did. Currently Hasan Rohani is in power, and although there have been some attempts at reform during his tenure, he has been unsuccessful too, because the system of the Iranian gevernment is bsed on the theocratic regime. However, the head of state is Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Thus, although the state has a supreme legislative, executive and judicial bodies, it is not independent and has an additional institution of supreme leadership on top of them. Therefore, neither the president, the parliament, nor the Islamic Council have no chance to make any successful reforms in the country," he said.

The expert also explained the economic downturn in Iran and the main reasons that accelerated the protests. He noted that Iran's warsened relations with the United States have faced the country with serious economic problems over the past decade.

"US sanctions have completely deprived Iran of economic and trade ties. Although Iran was once the world's most famous textile exporter, today even the neighbouring countries have cut ties with it as a result of the country's trade embargo. Even aircraft and factory equipment are out of order, and it has been impossible for Iran to acquire the parts it needs.

By the time that Donald Trump came to power, Iran had signed an agreement with France on the supply of spare parts for Being aircraft. However, during the Trump administration, those documents were not implemented. Even the purchase of Iranian oil was banned. The main reason for this was Iran's suspicious nuclear program. All these processes have led Iran to economic decline, and as a result, in 2019, it fueled the public protests."

Sadraddin Soltan also touched upon the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan. He also spoke about Iran's role and political ties in the Caucasus region.

"Iran has openly expressed its attitude to Azerbaijan, especially during the II Karabakh war. In fact, this was not an unexpected step for Azerbaijan, because since a long time Iran has intended to extend a hand in Karabakh. We saw that in Iran's mischievous policy of restoring mosques and historical monuments in Karabakh and Yerevan.

The only problem is that Iran could be involved in issues with both Armenia and Karabakh in the South Caucasus by means of Russia. I think that the coalition of the trio of Iran, Russia and Armenia in the South Caucasus is very dangerous for Azerbaijan and it should not be allowed," he added.

By Elnur Enveroglu 

Journalist, EDNews Correspondent