Trouble for Tehran

There is a situation in Iran, and it warrants a political solution. Protesters seem to be losing their patience. Well, the government too. Thus, the Islamic Republic faces an existential crisis. Nonetheless, it is a given that any moves for a 'regime change' as manoeuvred at the behest of external forces, especially the US, would not succeed as long as the dispensation resists using extraordinary force against those on the streets.

The mass protests in several Iranian cities and towns are economically driven, thus having a genuine reason behind them. The good point, however, is that President Masoud Pezeshkian has recognised it in all humility and undertaken measures such as enhanced subsidies and other irresistible reforms in order to tame the unrest. Likewise, a large number of people have also rallied in support of the government, pitching the balance of power in favour of Tehran as agitators mull a renewed episode of vandalism.

The blanket closure of the internet, cancellation of flights and a ban on media dissemination are, however, leading to deterioration. This has been coupled with a large number of casualties, as reported by foreign news agencies, driving the Supreme Leader to dub the protesters as agents of the enemy. He has also called on President Trump to desist from meddling in Iranian affairs and mind his own business at home, as Americans are rallying against Washington's aggression over Venezuela and its plans to take over Greenland. This diatribe will, however, not be enough, and all that is desired is a policy of reaching out to the protesters and rewriting a new social contract of co-existence, corresponding to the grievances of those on the streets.

The exiled son of the ousted emperor, Reza Pahlavi, has struck an unconvincing chord by stating that "President Trump is watching the protesters". This is tantamount to foreign intervention and unlikely to go well with a resilient nation that has deterred the Israeli and American aggression. It's time for Tehran to opt for reconciliation and douse the fire in all sincerity.