Frequent Power Outages in Zahedan Markets:
1- Many cities in Iran experience electricity shortages, but Balouchistan is among the worst affected. Business owners in Zahedan’s markets have been protesting against power cuts during peak market hours.
Local sources report that electricity often goes out in the middle of the day, leaving the busy market without power until late at night. This situation disrupts the activities of trade unions and leads to significant economic losses for shopkeepers.
2- On April 7, a surveillance drone patrolled Nikshahr and Iranshahr.
3- Armed robberies and burglaries have been reported in Saravan, Zahedan. Despite numerous complaints from the public, the state security forces failed to register them. Many residents believe that local Basij members are involved.
4- Iran’s water crisis is worsening.
The Miankaleh Wetland, a unique gem located south of the Caspian Sea, spans 48,000 hectares within the 68,800-hectare Miankaleh Wildlife Refuge and the Miankaleh Biosphere Nature Reserve, which is renowned as Iran’s bird paradise. However, the wetlands are currently facing severe drought conditions. This situation threatens Iran’s wetlands, which are already damaged and at risk of destruction and ecological changes.
Decades ago, changes to the wetland started when institutions affiliated with the IRGC and corrupt officials altered the water flow from Waterland. Authorities and Islamic regime affiliates have dug unauthorised wells and built roads in the bed of catchment areas without regulation, and climate change further exacerbated the problem.
Opinion
5- Negotiations began weeks before Trump’s inauguration, and the outcomes of these talks are not significantly different from the situation in Libya. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials who supported direct negotiations with the United States have emerged victorious in their internal struggle against the Khamenei faction. As a result, the regime is likely to concede to the demands of Trump and Israel. Many IRGC commanders are prepared to sacrifice Khamenei and his faction to protect their interests.
Currently, the Islamic regime faces two options: go to war or surrender to Trump’s demands. If the regime chooses war, it risks losing everything, which could lead to the disintegration of the state. However, if it decides to surrender, change in Iran is inevitable, although the state might survive.
The Trump administration is aware of Iran’s resources, having spent over 20 years engaged in conflict and trillions of dollars in neighbouring Afghanistan. Americans desire a friendly regime in Tehran to achieve their broader ambitions. Trump is likely to succeed in this endeavour. Iran is a resource-rich country that requires trillions in investments, enabling it to finance its reconstruction. The focus of Trump’s strategy may not necessarily be regime change in Tehran; instead, it could centre on business interests rather than human rights for minorities. The U.S. administration’s focus might involve signing favourable mineral treaties with Iran.