Following decades of a pro-Western monarchy in Iran, the Iranian regime took over on Feb. 11, 1979 as a result of the Islamic Revolution.
Since then, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been marked by severe civilian oppression and human rights violations, including the violent suppression of protests, execution of political prisoners, and significant restrictions on women’s rights.
On Dec. 8, 2025, the Iranian anti-government protests began, as civilians took to the streets, calling for regime change. Early speculation of outside intervention began to grow, which deepened into greater concern for the nation’s future.
Demonstrations in the nation of Iran began on Dec. 28, 2025, stemming from anti-authoritarian sentiment and a recent currency collapse. Within the week, thousands of citizens rallied behind a decentralized protest calling for the end of the Iranian government.
“This is a very brave thing of the protestors,” said Jessica Cheung ’26. “It’s important that younger generations are willing to step forward and fight for change.”
The protests have come with intense retaliation from the Iranian regime under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who issued a “shoot to kill” order to Iran’s security forces. Within the week, nearby hospitals were inundated with thousands of injured protestors. Thousands more were killed by live fire.
Iran’s government reported 3,000 dead as a result of the crackdowns, but outside reports place the death toll at around 36,500. These killings have come alongside a wide-scale national blackout to curtail protests.
“It’s a violation of human rights,” said Graydon Gambino ’26. “Violence is no way to adequately respond to the voice of your people.”
The events in Iran ultimately led to the United States and Israel declaring war against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, leading to the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Countless bombs have been dropped by the U.S. and Israel across major cities such as Tehran, and reports have shown that over 1,000 civilians have been killed in these strikes.
Many have pushed back against the Trump administration’s involvement in this conflict, as President Trump launched attack on Iran without congressional approval, as the Constitution requires.
As the US-Israeli bombardment continues, no clear leader has been set for Iran. Many people suspect that power will remain in the hands of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Force, and fear that the authoritarian regime will continue.
“The future is uncertain,” added Cheung. “Hopefully, the conflict will not last longer than it needs to, but I also hope that the Iranian people’s voices will not be silenced.”
