Large-scale protests that took place in Iran in late December – early January became a serious challenge for the government of the Islamic Republic, write columnist Sune Engel Rasmussen in an article for The Wall Street Journal.
According to the article, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, one of the longest-reigning leaders in the Middle East, faces a “vital choice” if he wants to maintain power.
The columnist explained that the development of the republic's economy is hindered by international sanctions. To achieve abolition, the Ayatollah would have to compromise on nuclear and missile programs.
Massive protests in Iran: what foreign media is writing
Mr. Rasmussen noted that he would also have to eliminate the foreign wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which supports a network of armed groups in the Middle East.
According to him, without compromise, the Iranian leader will face a future “in which nationwide protests are inevitable and the possibility of regime change is very high, due to popular unrest or external actions.”
Previously, the Iranian government reported that the US and Israel were behind the protests that broke out in the country. In particular, Mr. Khamenei said that the protesters “seek to please US President Donald Trump”.
