Dialogos

International Relations Expert: 'Protests in Iran Border on Insurrection'

Published January 9, 2026, 11:02
International Relations Expert: 'Protests in Iran Border on Insurrection'

International Relations expert Charalambos Chrysostomou stated that the protests in Iran have reached a level of insurrection, spreading to many cities and characterized by violence and suppression by the regime. This is the fifth major wave of protests in Iran following those of 1999, 2009, 2017-18, and 2022 (after the death of Mahsa Amini). The main causes of the protests are the appalling economic conditions, high prices, and the rise in the cost of living, as well as the authoritarian restriction of human rights and freedoms. Poverty and the lack of human rights have led to widespread public discontent. Chrysostomou emphasized that the future of the Tehran regime depends on how it deals with the insurrection. Questions being raised are whether the United States will intervene and how the regime itself will react. Violent suppression could allow the regime to remain in power, but its inability to control security forces in various regions could lead to political or economic concessions. The situation has worsened after the war with Israel and the strike by the United States, resulting in a further deterioration of the economic and social situation. If the regime fails to contain the insurrection, it may be forced to make significant changes to mitigate the situation.