Cost of Suppression

What began as a demonstration by traders in Tehran on December 28, 2025, against sharp inflation and currency depreciation, quickly escalated into a nationwide movement. The unrest spread to towns, universities, and communities, evolving into a demand for the end of the current regime. The Iranian regime initially acknowledged the concerns of the protesters but did little to address their grievances. As protests continued with millions taking to the streets, the Iranian government cut off internet access to the citizens in an attempt to prevent further escalation and unleashed a bloody crackdown against protesters, killing hundreds of people. The Ali Khamenei regime said that such a measure was necessary to deal with external interference in the country’s internal affairs. It also blamed the US and Israel for fuelling the protest. Amid this claim, the US President Donald Trump has offered support to the protesters, stating that the country “stands ready to help”. Responding to Trump’s threat, Iran’s parliament speaker has warned that it would target the U.S. military and Israel in the event of an attack on the country. The disagreement appears to have reached a breaking point, as Iranian officials have pledged to expedite the prosecution of arrested anti-government protesters. In response, Trump has threatened to "take very strong action if they do such a thing." If both countries do not exercise restraint, a full-scale conflict seems imminent, and the outcome will be costly like all wars.

Will the Ali Khamenei regime fall if the mass demonstration continues or the US attacks Tehran in an attempt to pull down the current government? The fact is that any attack from the US will only reinforce Iran’s claim that foreign hands are responsible for the ongoing unrest in the country. The authorities could also use it as a reason to suppress the protestors with brute force. So, leaders of both the countries should refrain from any action that can escalate the issue. It is also pertinent for the Iranian government to respect dissent and immediately stop the crackdown on protestors. It should acknowledge the fact that ignoring the plight of the people, particularly economic matters, could prove costly. We have seen governments being toppled in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in the recent past due to attended economic crises and gross misgovernance. When leaders choose to stifle dissent instead of addressing the pressing issues, rebellion is inevitable. The pattern is clear. The Ali Khamenei regime should listen to the voice of the people.