Iran fears US strike could break Islamic regime’s grip on power by reigniting protests, sources say

Iran fears US strike could break Islamic regime’s grip on power by reigniting protests, sources say

“People are extremely angry,” said one former official, adding that a US attack could prompt the Iranians to rise again. “The wall of fear has fallen. There is no fear left.” Iran’s leadership is increasingly worried that a US strike could break its grip by pushing an already angry public into the streets after a … Read more

She set fire to a photo, lit a cigarette and became a symbol of resistance for protesters in Iran

She set fire to a photo, lit a cigarette and became a symbol of resistance for protesters in Iran

LONDON (AP) — With one puff of a cigarette, a Canadian woman became a global symbol of defiance against Iran’s bloody crackdown on dissent — and the world saw the flame. A video that has gone viral in recent days shows the woman – who described herself as an Iranian refugee – opening a lighter … Read more

Iranian merchants, frustrated by economic losses, turn against the clerics

Iranian merchants, frustrated by economic losses, turn against the clerics

By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI, Jan 12 (Reuters) – Iran’s bazaar merchants, the merchant class that was the financial backbone of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, have turned against the clerics they helped bring to power, fueling unrest over an economy that has turned into anti-government protests. Frustration among bazaar traders, from small traders to large wholesalers, … Read more

Protests grow as Iran’s government makes a weak offer amid a struggling economy

Protests grow as Iran’s government makes a weak offer amid a struggling economy

Tehran, Iran – Bolder protests are being seen in Iran amid a surge deployment of armed security officers as the government’s efforts to contain the crumbling economy collapse. Images circulating online showed huge protests late Tuesday in the town of Abdanan in central Ilam province, where several major demonstrations have taken place over the past … Read more