Iran’s political landscape remains dominated by repression and entrenched authoritarianism. Following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, snap elections brought Masoud Pezeshkian to office, but his influence is limited by the institutional power of the supreme leader and hard-line factions. The continued erosion of presidential and parliamentary authority has eliminated competition within loyalist elites, resulting in political deadlock and sporadic but persistent dissent.
Socioeconomic conditions have further deteriorated. Inflation remains extremely high, poverty has deepened and the government’s ability to mitigate hardship is increasingly constrained. Widespread energy shortages in the winter of 2024–2025 led to prolonged blackouts, compounding everyday economic pressures.
Governance is weakened by systemic inefficiencies, corruption and an unresolved budget crisis. International sanctions and Iran’s unchanged foreign policy sustain its economic isolation. Escalating conflicts, including the collapse of the Assad regime and direct attacks on Iranian territory, further undermined Iran’s regional position.
