Image Credit: MOBINA / Contributor / Getty 
The Iranian theocratic regime is facing what could be the fourth large nationwide protest since 2017. Economic problems have caused widespread anger across the country. Shop owners in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar have closed their stores and protests have spread to many other cities.
While the immediate reason for the protests may be the state of the economy, the demonstrations are clearly also about political frustration. What started as anger over inflation and the rising cost of living seems to be evolving into an outright rejection of the Islamic Republic’s authority.
Former U.S. Secretary of State and CIA chief Mime Pompeo went as far as to suggest on X yesterday that “the Iranian regime is in trouble.”
Previous protests in 2017, 2019, and 2022 proved that using violence to stop protesters does not work. In 2019, a rise in gasoline prices led to a violent crackdown that killed an estimated 1,500 people. In 2022, the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody sparked protests in hundreds of cities and challenged the government like never before. Even after hundreds of people were killed, the resistance continued into 2023.
The protests many see as a potential prelude to a regime change have also elicited international reactions. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would intervene if peaceful protesters were killed. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted by calling the statement “reckless and dangerous.” Iranian officials have said their armed forces are on standby and that any foreign interference will be “forcefully rejected.” Iran also called on the UN Security Council to condemn Trump’s warning.
As we reported, Israel has also encouraged protesters to continue the demonstrations.
