Typos

Iran: Why this uprising may be different

Published January 10, 2026, 16:11
Iran: Why this uprising may be different

A new wave of protests has erupted in Iran, fueled by deep political disillusionment and economic stagnation. Demonstrators are expressing their anger over mismanagement, corruption, and sanctions affecting the country. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, acknowledged the economic causes of public anger but reiterated his condemnation of "saboteurs" and warned of a harsh response. This uprising differs from previous ones due to recent events, such as the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, which revealed the regime's weaknesses and weakened its deterrent capability. Iranians had hoped the government would capitalize on the wave of national unity to improve the situation, but this did not happen. Furthermore, the presence of exiled opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, son of the overthrown Shah, is growing on social media and in the streets. Slogans in favor of Pahlavi are heard in the protests, with some promoting him as Washington's "choice." Demonstrators are chanting slogans such as "This is the final battle - Pahlavi will return" and "Long live the Shah," indicating a growing desire for change and a return to a different political system.