The International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) has issued the Iran Case File (ICF) for January 2024. The file provides readers in general and researchers in particular with an in-depth analysis and overview of Iran’s variant interactions and affairs. The file is divided into three main parts: Developments in Iran’s Internal Affairs, Iran-Arab Interactions and Iran’s Relations With Regional and International Powers.
As for Iran’s internal affairs, the ICF discusses Iran’s significant developments at the political, economic, military, social and ideological levels. It examines these developments, highlighting four key topics: mounting concerns over low voter turnout as the upcoming elections approach, a steep rise in the US dollar exchange rate against the Iranian local currency, Iran escalating tensions with neighboring countries and launching three satellites, the politics of fatwas, and the rise in suicide rates among Iranians amid harsh living conditions.
As for Iran’s relations with the Arab world, the ICF examines how the Middle East experienced a flurry of activity in January 2024, with Iran taking center stage in its interactions with some Arab countries. The situation escalated significantly, with mounting tensions in Iraq after Iran’s attacks on US and Israeli targets, and Kata’ib Hezbollah’s attack on a US base in eastern Jordan. Meanwhile, Israel responded with a series of strikes targeting top IRGC commanders, and the Houthis faced a backlash from the West for their attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea to Israel.
Finally, as for Iran’s relations with regional and international powers, the ICF reviews the recent attack by Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group in Iraq, on a US base in Jordan, which has led to a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions. Meanwhile, longstanding issues have exacerbated simmering tensions between Iran and European nations. The UK accused Iran of targeting Iranian opponents abroad and orchestrating the Houthi attacks on the Red Sea.
