From within a nation gripped by another wave of civil unrest, an anonymous writer in Iran has penned a stark account of the protests, the state's brutal response, and a profound sense of pessimism about the future. The lines were written amid an internet blackout, with no certainty they would ever reach the outside world.
A Cycle of Protest and Repression
Since the major post-election uprising in 2009, sporadic outbursts of public anger have become a recurring feature of Iranian life. Each episode is typically silenced – often brutally – only for discontent to fester and erupt again later. The current protests are part of this wearying pattern.
The writer notes that street demonstrations are just one channel for dissent. Iranians have attempted to push for meaningful change through every available avenue: the tightly controlled electoral process, social media, universities, and public gatherings. Yet, these repeated demands have so far led to no substantial concessions. The state has shown little willingness to heed democratic calls since the 2000s.
Internal Dilemmas and External Threats
The sense of political helplessness is compounded by a complex dilemma. Many Iranians feel unrepresented not only by their government but also by the figures touted as leading the opposition. Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah, is viewed with deep suspicion by many. The prospect of swapping one form of dictatorship for another, coupled with his expatriate status and perceived ties to foreign powers like Israel, is deeply unappealing.
Furthermore, the shadow of potential foreign intervention looms large. The writer expresses fear that Donald Trump, whose administration reimposed crippling sanctions and violated the nuclear deal (JCPOA), could be tempted into military action. Such a move, framed within an 'orientalist' narrative of needing a 'white saviour', is seen as a recipe for prolonged violence and war, not democracy.
A Fearful Stalemate and a Bleak Future
The recent violence has reached unprecedented levels. The writer references the funeral of 100 policemen at Tehran University and an unknown number of protester deaths, creating an apocalyptic atmosphere that frightens the populace. Having lived through the disruptive 1979 revolution, many Iranians are terrified of state collapse, which brings violence, uncertainty, and mass migration.
However, the writer believes the Islamic Republic is far from falling. It retains a dedicated social base and deep roots. When faced with massive, foreign-backed demonstrations, its paranoia only intensifies, causing it to crack down harder on any voice for change. This sets in motion a vicious cycle: social unrest met with state force, leading to national attrition rather than democratic progress.
The article concludes on a note of profound despair. The writer has never felt more downcast about Iran's future, yet desperately wishes to be proven wrong in their pessimism. The country appears trapped between a repressive regime and a chaotic, potentially violent alternative, with no clear path forward.
