Protests and Crackdown: Implications for Iran

A new wave of protests broke out across Iran, spreading through many sectors of society before being met with a severe government crackdown and an internet blackout. The demonstrations came at a time when the Iranian regime seemed particularly vulnerable due to a struggling economy, an aging leadership, and a weakened regional position. Despite the scale of the protests and U.S. encouragement, the regime has remained in place, though it now faces a profound legitimacy crisis. Experts suggest that the leadership's refusal to engage with public grievances and its reliance on force will likely lead to a grinding confrontation with an agitated population.