Iran's Regime Faces Unprecedented Crisis: Protests, Economic Collapse, and US Pressure

• Widespread anti-government protests across Iran have entered their third week, with over 500 reported deaths and 40 security personnel killed.
• The protests are fueled by currency collapse, inflation over 50%, food shortages, and the rial plunging to 1.3 million to the US dollar.
• Current unrest is considered the most serious challenge since the 2022 Mahsa Amini uprising, with chants against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
• Lack of employment, corruption, and US sanctions exacerbate frustration among Iran's large youth population (15-29 age bracket).
• US President Donald Trump has threatened military intervention if Iran uses lethal force against protesters, while also claiming Iran wants to negotiate.

Why It Matters: Iran's regime faces its weakest moment in decades amid protests, economic woes, and external pressure, demanding a strategic reset.