Iranian journalist Nazila Maroofian was sentenced by a revolutionary court to two years in prison, a travel ban, and a fine without a hearing or legal representation after publishing an interview with Mahsa Amini’s father that disputed the Iranian government’s account of Amini’s death. Authorities targeted her following the article’s publication, which asserted that Amini died from a head injury inflicted while in custody for an alleged dress code violation. Maroofian was arrested, held for 71 days in Qarchak prison, and released shortly before the sentence was issued. RSF condemned the ruling as arbitrary and called for an end to judicial repression and the release of imprisoned Iranian journalists.

Iran faces five major structural challenges—sanctions, the economic impacts of COVID-19, worsening drought, declining social trust, and regional instability—which together have intensified social unrest, especially in Khuzestan. Despite its pivotal economic role and vast natural resources, Khuzestan suffers from chronic water shortages, environmental degradation, inequality, and historical underdevelopment. Long-term policy misalignment with the region’s ecological realities, compounded by sanctions that halted key water projects, has worsened living conditions. Development initiatives such as large-scale agricultural schemes, petrochemical and gas projects, and water infrastructure have helped but remain insufficient. Strengthening social dialogue, empowering local communities, addressing deep-rooted inequalities, and adopting comprehensive regional and national policies are identified as essential steps toward stabilizing and improving the province.