Iranian officials privately acknowledge the Islamic Republic is in “survival mode” amid the largest wave of protests the country has seen in three years, according to reports.
At least 16 people have been killed during a week of unrest, with demonstrations spreading to more than 20 provinces. Protesters, initially sparked by economic grievances, have clashed violently with security forces as chants against the regime grow louder.
With inflation exceeding 36% and the currency losing roughly half its value, economic pressure has intensified public anger. Power shortages, water crises, and renewed international sanctions have further strained daily life.
Senior Iranian leaders have adopted a more cautious public tone, urging restraint while continuing arrests. President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a “kind and responsible” approach, though security forces have detained hundreds, including online protest organizers.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against killing protesters, saying the U.S. was “locked and loaded,” prompting threats of retaliation from Tehran. Intelligence reports suggest Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a contingency plan to flee to Russia if security forces lose control.
Despite calls for dialogue, deadly clashes continue, particularly in western Iran and Kurdish regions. Rights groups accuse the Revolutionary Guard of opening fire on demonstrators, while state media downplays the scale of unrest.
As protests persist and the economy deteriorates, Iran’s leadership faces one of its most serious challenges since the 1979 revolution.
