Intelligence Ministry to deal with attempts to destabilize economy

TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) – The Intelligence Ministry will deal with attempts aimed at disrupting the national economy, Deputy Intelligence Minister Majid Alavi said.
“Today’s priority is identifying those people who seek to disrupt the economy,” Alavi said on Tuesday.

“Today, enemies have targeted the country’s economy by imposing sanctions and putting Iran under economic pressure,” he noted.

He also said enemies have made a comprehensive plan to impede Iran’s economic progress as the government is set to implement the subsidy reform plan, therefore, it is necessary that all supervisory bodies cooperate with the administration to secure a proper implementation of the plan.

The initial stages for implementation of the subsidy reform plan began on Tuesday as cash subsidies were credited to people’s accounts in the provinces of North Khorasan, South Khorsan and Khorasan Razavi on Tuesday. The plan envisages elimination of subsidies on fuel, energy and certain goods in stages. Experts have described the plan as an overhaul of the national economy, but have expressed concern about the rise in prices and the subsequent repercussions on people’s standard of living.

Police and the Judiciary had previously announced that during the implementation of the plan they will completely defend the administration and will deal firmly with those people who protest.

Also, Government officials said the opposition seeks to foment unrest following the implementation of the plan.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Alavi said another major issue currently facing the country is official corruption.

“In many cases, those involved in corruption have political justifications … and it makes legal proceedings on the corruption cases lengthier and more difficult,” he explained.