Fear of History Repeating After 47 Years: Iranian Regime Shakes Amid Internal Protests and External Threats
Amid internal protests and escalating external dangers, Iran’s regime is beginning to tremble, with the rial hitting a historic low of nearly 1.5 million to the dollar and inflation driving people to the streets. Discussions in Tehran question if a sacrifice is needed to save the system.
According to The Economist, protests within Iran and growing external threats have placed the government under unprecedented pressure. Recent public unrest, a severe economic crisis, and hints of potential actions from the US and Israel have brought the regime to a critical juncture, where state control appears weakened and leadership uncertain.
Current protests differ from the past in two ways. First, Iran has faced severe economic decline, war, and environmental crises for a year, with no solutions from leadership. Second, fears of external intervention—whether from Israel or the US—loom large. Following the US arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela on January 3, questions intensify in Iran about whether it is next.
The Iranian rial has reached its lowest level ever, trading at nearly 1.5 million rials per dollar. It has lost 45% of its value in one year and 98% over a decade. Basic goods are now out of reach for the public. The government’s main reform effort—ending subsidized exchange rates for essentials and distributing monthly cash—provides just 10 million rials (under $8) per person, enough only for limited rice or oil, while risking further inflation.
