Iran's Growing Unrest Raises New Questions About the Regime's Stability

Mass protests, economic collapse, and rising casualties fuel speculation about whether the Islamic Republic is entering its most vulnerable moment in decades.

Iran is facing its most intense wave of nationwide unrest since the 2009 Green Movement, with protests spreading across major cities, dozens killed, and the government imposing sweeping internet blackouts to contain the uprising. What began in late December as demonstrations over soaring prices and a collapsing currency has rapidly evolved into open calls for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic - a shift that has alarmed Tehran's leadership and drawn global attention.

According to multiple international outlets, protests have now continued for nearly two weeks, with at least 48 to 62 demonstrators killed and thousands detained as security forces attempt to regain control. Demonstrations have erupted not only in Tehran but also in Mashhad, Karaj, Hamedan, Azna, and cities across Lorestan, Isfahan, and Bakhtiari provinces.

Economic Collapse Ignites the Fuse

The unrest began on December 28 after the Iranian rial plunged to a record low of 1.42 million to the U.S. dollar, triggering panic in markets and pushing the price of basic goods beyond what many families can afford. Inflation has soared, gasoline subsidies were slashed, and food staples have become increasingly out of reach.

The economic crisis forced the resignation of Iran's Central Bank governor on December 29 - a rare public acknowledgment of the severity of the situation.

Protests Shift From Economic Anger to Political Demands

Within days, the demonstrations transformed from economic grievances into explicit anti-regime protests. Chants of "death to Khamenei" have been reported across multiple cities, reflecting a level of public defiance not seen in years.

Human rights groups say the government has responded with lethal force, including live ammunition, tear gas, and mass arrests. NGOs report that children are among the dead, and hundreds more have been injured.

The government has also imposed a nationwide internet blackout, a tactic reminiscent of the deadly 2019 crackdown that killed hundreds.

Khamenei's Threats Reveal Regime Anxiety

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly condemned the protesters as "vandals" and "saboteurs," insisting the regime "won't back down" and accusing demonstrators of acting to please U.S. President Donald Trump.

His unusually defensive tone - and the speed of the crackdown - suggest the regime views the protests as a serious threat.

Is the Regime at Risk of Collapse?

Experts caution that predicting the fall of the Islamic Republic is difficult. The regime retains powerful tools of repression, including the Revolutionary Guard, Basij militia, and control over media and communications.

However, several factors make this moment uniquely dangerous for Tehran:

1. Nationwide Scope

Unlike past protests concentrated in urban centers, the current unrest spans multiple provinces and socioeconomic groups - from students to merchants to rural communities.

2. Economic Freefall

Iran's currency collapse and inflation crisis have eroded the regime's traditional base of support.

3. Loss of Fear

Protesters are openly calling for regime change, a sign that fear of state violence is weakening.

4. Internal Fractures

The resignation of the Central Bank governor and reports of disagreements within the political elite hint at internal strain.

5. International Pressure

The U.S. has warned it will respond if protesters are massacred, adding external pressure to an already volatile situation.

What Comes Next?

The protests show no sign of slowing. Human rights groups report that demonstrations have continued for 13 consecutive days, despite killings, arrests, and internet shutdowns. Videos circulating online show fires in the streets, gunfire, and crowds confronting security forces.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has attempted to calm tensions by meeting with business leaders and promising economic reforms, but protesters appear unmoved.

Whether the regime falls is uncertain - but analysts agree that Iran has entered one of the most unstable periods in its modern history.

A Turning Point for the Middle East

If the Islamic Republic were to collapse, the geopolitical consequences would be enormous:

- Shifts in oil markets

- Power vacuums affecting Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen

- New dynamics in U.S.–Iran relations

- Potential internal conflict within Iran's security forces

For now, the world is watching closely as Iran's streets continue to fill with demonstrators demanding a future beyond clerical rule.