EXPERT OPINION — The Iranian people are calling for new leadership, and for good reason.Merchants, university students, and young people are taking to the streets demanding political change and an end to the current Islamic Republic rule.
It began with merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazar closing thier shops due to soaring inflation and the collapse of the national currency, the rial.This quickly spread to over 32 cities,with students and the public joining the protests.
This isn’t new. In 2009, the government ensured Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s reelection despite widespread public support for Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who promised hope and change.The government’s actions angered the public, leading to Iran’s “Green Movement.” Protesters, symbolizing hope with the color green, claimed the election was rigged. When they demanded greater democracy and an end to authoritarian practices, the government responded with violence, arresting thousands and killing dozens.
In September 2022, Jina Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian, died in police custody after being arrested for improperly wearing her head scarf. Eyewitnesses reported she was beaten by police. Amini’s death sparked nationwide protests, with Iran Human Rights reporting at least 476 people killed by security forces. Amnesty International reported police and security forces using live ammunition and batons against protesters. Amini’s death fueled the global movement: Women, Life, Liberty.
Since then, Iran has waged a war against its own people, arresting anyone protesting government corruption and human rights abuses.
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Today’s protests stem from iran’s economic crisis and water shortages, but also from Iran’s defeat by Israel in the 12-day war of June 2025 and the subsequent U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan – after assurances that Israel wouldn’t dare attack. The hundreds of millions spent on iran’s nuclear programme, and the resulting global sanctions, contributed to the economic collapse. Iran’s history of pursuing nuclear weapons while denying IAEA access fostered global suspicion and supported the sanctions. This led to the rial’s devaluation and widespread suffering.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters’ complaints and appointed a new central bank chief.Reportedly, 36 people have been killed during the demonstrations, with hundreds arrested and thousands demanding change.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed foreign interference and stated that “rioters must be put in their place.”
President Donald Trump warned Iran that the U.S. “will come to their rescue” if it “violently kills peaceful protesters.”
Thes and previous demonstrations demonstrate the people’s suffering and their desire for change, hope, and leadership that cares for them. protesters carry signs saying, “the mullahs must leave Iran.” The government has mismanaged the economy and isolated Iran internationally. The Iranian theocracy, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appears to have lost the support of the Iranian people.
Is a democratic secular Iran possible?
The author is a former associate director of national intelligence. All statements of fact, opinion or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the U.S. government.nothing in the contents shoudl be construed as asserting or implying U.S. government authentication of data or endorsement of the author’s views.
This column by Cipher Brief Expert Ambassador Joseph DeTrani was first published in The Washington Times
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