Why Protests Continue in Iran: Domestic Pressures, Public Discontent, and the Question of US Influence
Why Protests Continue in Iran: Domestic Pressures, Public Discontent, and the Question of US Influence
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| Why protests continue in Iran: Economic pressure, social change, and the impact of global sanctions |
Tehran
— Iran has witnessed recurring waves of public protests over the past decade,
driven by a complex mix of economic distress, social grievances, and political
frustration. While Iranian authorities frequently accuse foreign
powers—particularly the United States—of orchestrating unrest, analysts and
observers largely agree that the roots of these protests are overwhelmingly
domestic. Understanding why protests erupt in Iran requires examining internal
challenges alongside the indirect impact of international pressure, especially
US-led sanctions.
This article explores the key drivers of Iran’s
protests, the extent of US involvement, and why the narrative of foreign
interference continues to dominate official rhetoric.
A Pattern of Recurrent Protests
Iran is no stranger to public demonstrations.
Major protest waves occurred in 2009,
2017–18, 2019, and 2022, each sparked by different triggers but sharing
common underlying causes. While some protests were localized and short-lived,
others spread nationwide and lasted weeks, reflecting deep-seated public
dissatisfaction.
Unlike revolutionary movements aimed at regime
change, most protests in Iran have focused on economic survival, social dignity, and governance issues.
Slogans, demands, and protest patterns suggest that many participants are
motivated by daily hardships rather than ideological alignment with foreign
powers.
Economic Pressure: The Central Trigger
Inflation and Cost of Living
Economic hardship is widely regarded as the
most consistent and powerful driver of protests in Iran. Inflation has
frequently exceeded 40 percent,
eroding purchasing power and pushing essential goods—such as food, fuel, and
housing—out of reach for many households. Wage growth has failed to keep pace,
leaving both urban and rural populations under strain.
Subsidy reductions, especially on fuel and
bread, have repeatedly sparked protests. In 2019, a sudden fuel price hike led
to nationwide demonstrations, highlighting how sensitive economic policy
changes are in an already fragile economy.
Unemployment and Youth Discontent
Iran’s population is relatively young, and
unemployment among educated youth remains high. Many university graduates
struggle to find stable jobs, fueling frustration and a sense of lost
opportunity. This demographic has played a prominent role in recent protest
movements, often using social media to organize and amplify their voices.
Social Restrictions and Cultural Tensions
Personal Freedoms and Lifestyle Controls
Social and cultural restrictions are another
major factor behind public anger. Laws governing dress codes, public behavior,
and gender interaction remain strictly enforced. For many Iranians—especially
women and younger generations—these rules feel increasingly out of step with
their aspirations and global norms.
The 2022
protests, triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini while in morality police custody, marked a
turning point. Demonstrations spread rapidly across cities and towns, evolving
into broader expressions of anger over state authority, women’s rights, and
social control.
Generational Divide
A growing generational gap is evident in Iran.
Younger citizens, who are more connected to the outside world through the
internet and social media, often clash with conservative institutions. This
divide has intensified tensions and contributed to recurring cycles of protest.
Political Frustration and Governance
Challenges
Limited Political Choice
Iran’s political system combines elected
institutions with powerful unelected bodies. While elections are held
regularly, candidates are vetted, limiting the range of political options
available to voters. Many citizens feel that elections do not lead to
meaningful change, reducing trust in formal political processes.
Crackdowns on Dissent
Protest movements are often met with heavy
security responses, including arrests, internet shutdowns, and restrictions on
media coverage. While these measures can suppress demonstrations in the short
term, critics argue they deepen public resentment and discourage constructive
dialogue.
Corruption and Perceived Inequality
Allegations of corruption and economic
mismanagement have further eroded public trust. Many Iranians believe that
political and economic elites are insulated from hardship, while ordinary citizens
bear the brunt of inflation and sanctions. High-profile corruption cases, when
publicized, often fuel public anger rather than restore confidence.
The Role of US Sanctions
Economic Impact of Sanctions
The United States has imposed extensive
sanctions on Iran, targeting its oil exports, banking sector, and access to
international markets. These measures have significantly reduced government
revenue and contributed to currency depreciation and inflation.
While sanctions are designed to pressure the
Iranian state, their effects are widely felt by ordinary citizens. Shortages of
imported goods, rising prices, and reduced investment have all intensified
economic stress.
Do Sanctions Cause Protests?
Most experts agree that sanctions exacerbate existing problems but do not
create protests on their own. Economic mismanagement, corruption, and
structural weaknesses predate many sanctions regimes. However, sanctions can
act as a catalyst, accelerating crises that lead to public unrest.
Does the United States Directly Orchestrate
Protests?
Claims by Iranian Authorities
Iranian officials frequently accuse the US,
along with allies such as Israel and the UK, of fomenting unrest. These claims
often reference foreign-funded media outlets, online campaigns, or statements
of support for protesters by Western leaders.
Evidence and Independent Assessments
To date, there is no credible evidence that the United States directly
organizes or controls protests inside Iran. Demonstrations typically arise
spontaneously, driven by local grievances and spread through domestic networks.
That said, the US does:
·
Publicly support human rights and protester
demands
·
Fund Persian-language media outlets
·
Use diplomatic and informational tools to
criticize Iranian authorities
These actions constitute indirect influence, not operational
control.
Why the “Foreign Hand” Narrative Persists
Blaming foreign interference serves several
purposes:
·
Delegitimizing
protests by portraying them as externally driven
·
Maintaining
internal unity among supporters
·
Justifying
security measures against demonstrators
This narrative is not unique to Iran and has
been used by governments worldwide during periods of unrest.
The Role of Social Media and Information Flow
Despite internet restrictions, social media
platforms play a crucial role in mobilizing protests and sharing information.
Videos and images posted online often draw international attention, increasing
pressure on authorities but also reinforcing official claims of foreign
manipulation.
Conclusion: A Domestic Crisis with
International Dimensions
Protests in Iran are fundamentally rooted in domestic economic, social, and political
challenges. While US sanctions and international pressure worsen
conditions, they do not explain the depth or persistence of public anger. The
drivers of unrest lie primarily in inflation, unemployment, governance issues,
social restrictions, and a growing disconnect between state institutions and
large segments of society.
As Iran continues to navigate internal
pressures and external tensions, protests are likely to remain a recurring
feature of its political landscape unless underlying grievances are addressed.
Understanding this reality requires moving beyond simplistic narratives of
foreign interference and focusing on the lived experiences of ordinary
Iranians.
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