Senior Iranian officials who spoke with The New York Times said Iran’s leadership lacks the tools to cope with the crises it is facing, including nationwide protests, a deepening economic emergency and the prospect of another round of confrontation with Israel and the US.
Demonstrations that began as economic grievances have evolved into nationwide political resistance, with casualties mounting on both sides.
Iran unrest enters fourth night as students chant "Death to Khamenei." Demonstrators storm government buildings and release prisoners as the Rial's collapse triggers a nationwide uprising against the regime. In Kuhdasht, located in Lorestan province, a Basij member was killed – marking the first officially confirmed fatality from the regime’s ranks.
Security forces acted to suppress the demonstrations, with media outlets in the country reporting numerous arrests, detentions, and interrogations of students, and the use of live fire and tear gas at several locations.
As tens of thousands march in Iran over dire economic conditions, security forces were forced to retreat from Tehran University campus under protester pressure. Experts claim demonstrations have crossed a critical threshold and threaten the Islamic regime.
Student councils representing Tehran's principal universities issued calls for campus-wide mobilization, while the truck drivers' union amplified demands for public demonstrations.
Iranian police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of merchants protesting soaring prices and the collapse of the local currency, as the government announced it would hold an emergency meeting to address the deepening economic crisis. In a rare development, demonstrators also chanted slogans in support of the shah and the former royal family.
"These activities have accelerated in recent months, against the backdrop of regional tensions and Tehran's fear of the possibility of another direct confrontation with Israel and the US," the report said.
Former Revolutionary Guard Navy commander calls for complete restructuring of Tehran's intelligence apparatus after Israeli strikes exposed critical vulnerabilities.
Speaking with academics, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian voiced deep frustration, saying, “I don’t know what to do, please don’t curse me.” He blamed Iran’s problems on corruption and what he described as the “crazy” conduct of state institutions, rather than on the US or Israel. Referring to Operation Rising Lion, Pezeshkian acknowledged Israel’s military edge, saying, “Israel had better missiles, more accurate missiles and more of them.”
