The whole world is talking about Iran. The economic crisis in Iran, exacerbated by years of economic sanctions, high inflation, and abysmal purchasing power, has led to protests that have spread throughout the country, fueled by the people's demands for freedom. The mullah regime in Iran has been oppressing the Iranian people for 46 years. The resulting protests, mostly led by women and students, have been suppressed with harsh and violent interventions by the regime.
However, compared to previous protests, the situation is different this time. There are several reasons for this: Firstly, unlike previous protests, this time the demonstrations began with an uprising of merchants. As Iranians know, Tehran's large bazaar, known as the "Bazaar," holds a significant place in the country's economic and political landscape. The last time the bazaar revolted was against the former Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. We all know the outcome.
Secondly, the Iranian economy has collapsed, and the state treasury is empty. Living on one of the world's richest natural resources, the Iranian people are struggling with poverty despite this wealth. Iran possesses the world's third largest oil reserves and the second largest natural gas reserves. However, due to economic sanctions imposed by the US and the EU, it cannot benefit from this wealth. Because Iran is not part of the international banking system, even the concept of credit cards, which we consider a common part of daily life, does not exist in Iran. Iran's inflation rates range between 50% and 70%, placing it among the highest in the world. Throughout 2025, the Iranian currency lost more than 80% of its value against the dollar. In 1979, one US dollar was worth 70 Iranian rials; today it is worth 1.47 million rials.
Thirdly, the Iranian regime is experiencing its most fragile period to date. The 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June tested each other's military capabilities. Threats of attack against Iran from the US and Israel continue. US President Donald Trump is sending messages every day that they could launch an operation against Iran at any moment. Meanwhile, the regime is not sitting idly by. The Revolutionary Guard is using excessive violence against protesters, and hundreds have lost their lives in the demonstrations so far. The exact death toll is unknown; some say 500, others 2000. Hospitals are overflowing, and morgues are full of bodies. The Iranian regime does not hesitate to openly display the violence it uses against protesters; in some cities, open-air morgues have been set up displaying photographs of the slain protesters. People are trying to find their loved ones in these morgues.
Finally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that they are ready for negotiations with the US. In a speech to foreign ambassadors in Tehran broadcast on state television, Araghchi said, "However, these negotiations must be based on mutual respect, fairness, and equality." We also learned that Araghchi met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi in Tehran three days ago. According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Araghchi stated after the meeting that Busaidi's visit reflected the strong ties between Tehran and Muscat and that both sides were interested in expanding cooperation. But behind these platitudes, was there perhaps a hidden backdoor diplomacy channel being conducted by the US with Iran through Oman? The Iranian regime is perhaps more threatened today than at any other time in the history of the Islamic Republic. But what matters is having a government that responds to the needs of the Iranian people, not to the imperialist ambitions of the US or Israel.
