Recently, the state-run daily Asr-e Iran issued a stark warning to Iranian regime officials about the potential for new protests, writing, “If dissatisfaction persists, it will lead to uprising and revolution.” This concern is not limited to the media; it is echoed by some of the regime’s leading clerics.
Naser Makarem Shirazi, one of the most prominent figures within the ruling establishment, has voiced similar fears.
His statements reflect the deep anxiety within the regime over the potential collapse of their grip on power, particularly in the wake of the nationwide protests in 2022.
The gap between the regime and the people is widening rapidly, and the regime has lost much of its social support.
Mounting Economic, Social, and Political Pressure
The country’s deteriorating economic, social, and political conditions have pushed many Iranians to the brink. Increasing economic pressures and chronic mismanagement have fueled widespread dissatisfaction across various segments of society, posing a significant threat to the regime’s stability.
High unemployment, soaring inflation, and a sharp decline in purchasing power have made life increasingly difficult for the majority of Iranians.
The dramatic rise in commodity prices and the dollar’s surge to 85,000 tomans have amplified public grievances, especially among the most vulnerable groups.
Makarem Shirazi’s warning, with phrases like “The basis of the government will shake,” underscores the regime’s recognition of looming political crises.
Following the collapse of its regional hegemony, the regime is grappling with growing desperation among its forces, particularly as international dynamics—such as Donald Trump’s return to power—add further strain.
These factors, combined with internal unrest, threaten to push the regime closer to losing control.
Historical Parallels and Lessons
Iran’s modern history offers stark lessons about the consequences of widespread public dissatisfaction. The Constitutional Revolution of 1906 and the 1979 Revolution are prime examples of how neglecting popular demands can lead to seismic political change.
These historical precedents demonstrate that systemic repression and economic hardship, when left unaddressed, can spark transformative movements.
The Role of Technology and Communication
In today’s interconnected world, the Internet and social media have become powerful tools for organizing dissent.
These platforms enable Iranians to share grievances, mobilize protests, and attract global attention to their plight.
Beyond raising awareness, digital networks can quickly transform localized dissatisfaction into nationwide uprisings, amplifying the regime’s challenges in containing unrest.
A Fractured Regime
The regime’s legitimacy has eroded even among its staunchest supporters, partly due to its failed regional policies and financial scandals.
Billions of dollars spent propping up Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria have drawn sharp criticism, further alienating the public and widening the divide between leaders and citizens. Even clerics like Makarem Shirazi are now publicly voicing concerns about the regime’s future.
Makarem Shirazi’s warnings highlights a growing dissatisfaction and serious threats to the regime’s stability. He seeks to alert officials to the dire state of the nation.
While his intention may be to stave off an uprising, his words reveal an acute awareness of the regime’s vulnerability. The specter of the regime’s fall is no longer a distant possibility, but a looming reality that has reached the horizon.
As the regime faces mounting challenges, both domestically and internationally, its survival will depend on addressing the root causes of public discontent. Failure to do so could set the stage for another transformative chapter in Iran’s history.
Source » irannewsupdate