Big Take Pressure Is Mounting on Iran's Regime
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Jan 14, 2026 Ali Váez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, shares his insights on the ongoing protests in Iran, sparked by soaring food prices and economic collapse. He discusses the regime's violent crackdown and the fears driving their response. Váez highlights the influence of external threats and the regime’s tactics, such as internet shutdowns, to maintain control. He warns about the potential chaos if the regime falls, evaluating various scenarios for regional and global implications.
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Economic Shock Sparked Nationwide Uprising
- Iran's protests began as economic unrest after a sharp currency collapse and quickly morphed into nationwide demands for regime change.
- Ali Váez says capital flight, sanctions, and long-term mismanagement created a perfect economic storm with no government cushion.
Three-Phase Government Reaction
- The government's response unfolded in three phases: placation, repression, then brutal crackdown when external threats loomed.
- Váez links the June attacks and fears of foreign subversion to the unprecedented ferocity of the regime's response.
Internet Blackouts As A Repression Tool
- The regime routinely shuts down the internet to hide atrocities, break protest coordination, and instill fear.
- Váez notes the blackout delays global awareness and blocks protesters from organizing effectively.