How will the Iran protests end? Arash Azizi says 'This won't be a classic revolution'

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Jan 8, 2026

Arash Azizi, a lecturer and author specializing in Iranian politics, joins to analyze the latest wave of protests in Iran sparked by economic turmoil. He highlights the intense anger and desperation among protesters, noting a lack of unified political leadership. Azizi discusses the fractured opposition, including the role of Reza Pahlavi, and argues that change in Iran may not come from a classic revolution but rather through internal shifts. He also examines the implications of these protests for regional stability and global politics.

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INSIGHT

Economic Collapse Sparked Wide Protests

The December protests were ignited by a collapsing rial and soaring living costs, spreading quickly across provinces.
Economic desperation pushed people into the streets because many felt they had nothing left to lose.

INSIGHT

Anger And Desperation Drive Participation

This wave shows more anger and desperation than earlier ones, with protesters wanting an end to the regime.
Many participants say "what do we have to lose?" driving continued mobilization despite risks.

INSIGHT

Pahlavi Support Deepens Opposition Rift

Some protesters chant for Reza Pahlavi, but his faction deepens opposition divisions rather than unites them.
The opposition is fractured, reducing the chance of a single, coordinated post-regime alternative.

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Once again, Iranians have taken to the streets. Starting in late December, the plummeting value of the national currency, along with the soaring cost of living, were the catalyst for a fresh wave of protest – and one that soon turned political.

Although the government has been quick to crack down on the demonstrations, the regime has been dealt some heavy blows in the past year, and analysts are pondering whether this could be the movement that ends the ayatollahs’ reign for good.

Haaretz reporter Linda Dayan was joined by Arash Azizi, lecturer at Yale University and author of "What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom" and "The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the U.S., and Iran's Global Ambitions” to talk about these protests, and what they mean for Iran, for Israel, for the region and for the world.

“In some of the previous protests, there was always a mix of hope and anger,” explains Azizi. “This time, there’s a lot more anger, because people know that they want an end to this regime, but they can’t find an easy path… there’s a lot more despondency and desperation.”

Azizi explains that one of the key obstacles in realizing this aspiration is Iran’s fractured would-be opposition, including the ousted Shah’s son Reza Pahlavi, who’s found support from some Israeli lawmakers. The protesters “don’t have a disciplined political leadership that you need to bring about that kind of change,” Azizi says. Iran’s developments will likely “have the color of a coup, perhaps even more than a revolution” – and be led by figures currently inside the regime.

U.S. President Donald Trump has also warned the Iranian regime against violently repressing the protests. The ouster of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela – a key Iranian ally – by U.S. forces “was a reminder to the Iranians that Trump is not bluffing, and that he could take action against them,” notes Azizi.

“The idea that Trump would assassinate Khamenei, let’s say, with the help of Israel would have been unthinkable a few years ago… now, it’s really a possibility.”

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