Iran's Iron Grip: Why Overthrowing the Regime Remains an Uphill Battle

• Iran's regime maintains power through a deep, extensive, and effective security apparatus, primarily the IRGC and Basij.
• The Basij paramilitary force acts as an internal surveillance network, infiltrating protests and violently suppressing dissent.
• The government employs psychological warfare, torturing and releasing protesters to instill fear and deter further rebellion.
• An extensive online surveillance network with 'cyber spies' monitors and extinguishes dissent on social media.
• Regime change requires security forces to switch sides, alternative leadership, and a complete economic shutdown, none of which have fully materialized in past attempts.

Why It Matters: Despite repeated attempts over 17 years, Iran's regime endures due to its brutal security, psychological tactics, and surveillance.