What would happen if Khamenei falls? The last round of demonstrations, arrests and a few executions really engaged only the more secular and better educated part of the population -- half, at most. Non-violent protesters came out in ever greater numbers, offering themselves up to be slain by the "security" forces. Could the protesters who are now chanting "Death to the Dictator" bring down the regime by force? Almost half the entire population was displaced internally or abroad, and most of the country is still in ruins.

Source: Bangkok Post January 05, 2026 00:12 UTC