Iran Rocked by Widespread Protests: Will Khamenei's Rule Survive?

• Iran faces severe economic and political turmoil, with protests spreading nationwide due to record low Rial value, 42-50% inflation, and rising prices.
• Protests, initially economic, have turned political with chants like 'Death to the Dictator' against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 'Long Live the Shah'.
• President Pezeshkian acknowledged concerns, dismissed the Central Bank Governor, and offered dialogue, while the Prosecutor General warned of strict action.
• Five potential outcomes range from peaceful or harsh suppression to partial reforms, a serious regime crisis, or even external intervention and regional war.
• The crisis is fueled by internal discontent, external pressures like US attacks post-Israel-Iran war, and UN sanctions, making it the largest since 2022.

Why It Matters: Iran's widespread protests, driven by economic woes and political dissent, pose a critical challenge to the regime.