Iran is trapped in a violent cycle as the rial’s value plummets and inflation soars. With over 500 dead, the Pezeshkian government faces a terminal legitimacy crisis, compounded by President Trump’s threats of military intervention against the regime.
Browsing: Pahlavi
Sadjadpour outlines five trajectories for Iran, ranging from a Russian-style nationalist strongman to a Chinese-style pragmatic autocracy. He argues that without an organized liberal opposition, the post-Khamenei era will likely be defined by military dominance or grievance-driven illiberal populism.
The current uprising is distinguished by widespread geography, diverse demographics, and the weakening of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.” While regional powers fear instability, the potential for U.S. intervention and a looming succession crisis make the regime’s survival more uncertain than in previous years.