Khamenei’s Deadlock And The Urgent Need For International Support For Democratic Change In Iran – OpEd
Iran stands at a critical turning point in its contemporary history. Deep economic and social crises, repeated nationwide protests, and sustained international pressure have pushed the ruling theocratic regime into an existential crisis. Reliance on organized violence, corruption, and ideologically driven governance has made peaceful transitions of power impossible. The Iranian people face a clear and urgent demand: organized resistance to achieve democratic change.
The uprisings of 2017, 2019, and 2022 were not ordinary protests; they were nationwide movements with structural objectives. Clear anti-regime slogans and broad participation—from youth and women to marginalized communities—expressed a widespread desire for fundamental change. Despite brutal crackdowns, these movements shook the foundations of the regime and exposed the fragility of Iran’s political structure.
Economically, Iran is collapsing. High inflation, a plummeting currency, the breakdown of social safety networks, and widespread corruption have pushed 70 million people below the poverty line, including 25 million living in extreme poverty. National resources have been diverted to nuclear, security, and ideological projects, eroding whatever remained of the regime’s social base. Survival of the regime now relies entirely on organized violence, including mass executions, torture, and daily repression.
International sanctions and limited external pressure have not altered Tehran’s nuclear trajectory, leaving more........





















Toi Staff
Gideon Levy
Sabine Sterk
Stefano Lusa
John Nosta
Tarik Cyril Amar
Gilles Touboul
Mark Travers Ph.d
Daniel Orenstein