Iran on the edges

The situation in Iran is getting worse by the day. The economic crunch that led to the ongoing uprising after the tumultuous fall of Iranian riyal against the dollar is now toiling the very fabric of the Islamic Republic. Protests have reportedly spread all over the country, and casualties are nearing a three-digit mark, according to official figures. Medical urgency and lack of evacuee operations are making the life of commoners more miserable as the government contemplates rectification measures in good faith.

President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Syed Ali Khamenei have exhibited extreme restraint and assured the masses of all out state-centric support. That, however, seems to be too little too late, as external characters are well-entrenched and have resorted to mass scale vandalism and defiance unseen in past agitations. The government, nonetheless, seems in control, as large numbers of people in support of the state took to streets in Tehran and other major cities, trying to deter the outside forces from going over the brink.

A phenomenal threat, however, is from the canvassing that the US is indulging in through overt and covert means. People in foreign capitals as well as in Iran are rallying for a change in support of Reza Pahlavi, the deposed Shah's son. Likewise, President Trump's decision to slap 25% tariffs on countries in trade with Iran is meant to weaken the edifice of the republic, forcing it to surrender. Last but not least, the use-of-force option – discussed between Trump and the US security chiefs – could be catastrophic, if resorted to. But the US must understand that any renewed aggression would not only lead to more volatility in Iran, but in the region too. Trump must stay away from meddling in other countries' affairs, and mind his own business as revulsion is also seen in many US cities against his administration's policies.

Tehran is in need of closely introspecting its policies. It should desist from using excessive force against those on the streets. Similarly, summary trial and execution of those arrested for espionage is unwarranted at the moment. Time for Iran to work on economic relief measures and go for damage control.