With Crackdown on Protests, Iran’s Government ‘Is Only Buying Time’
Crackdowns, Censorship, and a Nation on Edge: Why Repression May Delay—but Not Defeat—Iran’s Protest Movement
How violent repression may fail to stop the deeper crisis shaking the Islamic Republic
Iran is once again at a critical juncture. What began as an outcry against economic hardship has grown into a sweeping nationwide protest movement challenging the authority of the Islamic Republic’s leadership. Rather than addressing the structural causes of public anger — spiralling inflation, currency collapse, and widespread frustration with corruption and mismanagement — the government has opted for a forceful crackdown. Yet analysts argue that this strategy may do little more than buy time for a regime under mounting pressure, rather than providing a lasting solution to the country’s deep crises. �
DER STANDARD +1
From Economic Grievances to Political Outrage
The protests, which erupted in late December 2025, were sparked by serious economic distress across Iranian society. The nation’s rial has plunged in value, food and fuel prices have soared, and basic goods have become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens. While similar economic frustrations have led to unrest in the past, this latest wave has rapidly pushed beyond bread-and-butter concerns to encompass broader political dissatisfaction. �
Arab News
These demonstrations quickly spread from Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar — long a symbolic center of public sentiment — to cities and towns across all of Iran’s provinces. What originally began as focused demands for relief from the cost-of-living crisis has now morphed into calls for fundamental political change, with many Iranians openly criticizing the regime’s decades-long governance. �
euronews
A Government in Repression Mode
The leadership’s response has been unequivocal: suppress the protests by force. Security forces, including the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have employed live ammunition, mass arrests, and tear gas to break up demonstrations. In some areas, local media and human rights groups have referred to massacres and widespread violence as authorities attempt to regain control of streets and public spaces. �
DER STANDARD +1
In addition to physical repression, the regime has moved to cut off communications. A widespread internet blackout now hinders both internal coordination among protesters and the flow of information to the outside world. This tactic — frequently used during previous crises — is designed to isolate dissent and reduce the visibility of state violence. �
Wikipedia
Such measures may succeed in breaking up street demonstrations in the short term, but they do not address the structural discontent at the heart of the movement.
‘Buying Time’, Not Solving Problems
Analysts and observers argue that the government’s crackdown is fundamentally reactive rather than proactive. By relying on force and censorship, officials hope to delay the worst symptoms of unrest, preventing it from spreading further or provoking a broader collapse of state authority. However, this comes at the cost of deeper alienation between the state and its citizens.
As Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, suggests, this method primarily buys time — it postpones confrontation without healing the underlying political and economic divides. The regime maintains a monopoly on the use of force, but it cannot indefinitely suppress widespread discontent without risking further escalation. �
Christian Science Monitor
Why Crackdown Alone Backfires
There are several reasons why violent suppression may ultimately weaken the regime rather than strengthen it:
Escalating Loss of Legitimacy: Heavy-handed tactics — particularly killings and mass arrests — reduce trust in government institutions and fuel resentment among broader segments of society.
Economic Desperation: Punishing protesters does not resolve currency collapse or inflation, which are the root drivers of the unrest.
Distributed Protest Movement: Unlike earlier protests, the current wave lacks a single leader but draws from diverse social groups — shopkeepers, youth, students and workers — making it harder for the government to isolate or negotiate with a single faction. �
euronews
Moreover, attempts at token economic concessions — such as subsidy restructuring or cash handouts — have been insufficient to calm the broader anger that has built up after years of hardship and political repression. �
HOKANEWS.COM
International Pressure Adds Strain
The crackdown has not gone unnoticed outside Iran. Western governments, including the United Kingdom and members of the European Union, have imposed additional sanctions aimed at penalizing Tehran for its violent suppression of dissidents and human rights abuses. These sanctions target key economic sectors and compounding existing pressures from U.S. policies. �
The Guardian
At the same time, external rhetoric — such as threats of intervention or support from abroad — can strengthen hardline narratives inside Iran that protests are orchestrated by foreign powers, muddying the domestic political landscape.
The Long Road Ahead
The reality in Iran reflects a severely weakened social contract between the state and the governed. With the protests unlikely to dissipate simply because of force, observers believe the regime faces a dilemma: continue escalating repression at the risk of further delegitimization, or embark on meaningful reforms that could shift the country’s trajectory.
Yet lasting systemic change would require far more than crushing streetside resistance. It would necessitate addressing basic governance failures, economic mismanagement, and sustained political grievance — issues that repression alone cannot fix.
In this sense, Iran’s government is not quelling dissent so much as delaying a deeper confrontation that may return with greater force unless fundamental changes are pursued.
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ECC Approves Over Rs. 7 Billion Funds for Armed Forces: What It Means for National Security and the Economy
Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved over Rs. 7 billion in additional funds for the armed forces, a move that underscores the government’s continued focus on national security amid evolving regional and internal challenges. While defense spending often sparks debate, this latest approval reflects broader realities related to preparedness, modernization, and the economic pressures faced by security institutions in a changing geopolitical environment. Understanding the ECC’s Role The Economic Coordination Committee, a key body within Pakistan’s federal government, is responsible for approving major financial decisions, particularly those that fall outside the scope of the annual budget. ECC approvals typically address urgent or unforeseen expenditures, making this allocation especially significant. According to official briefings, the newly approved funds are meant to cover operational requirements, logistical needs, and critical expenditures faced by the armed forces. These allocations are not unusual, particularly in times when inflation, currency depreciation, and rising global costs increase the financial burden on state institutions. Why Additional Funding Was Needed Several factors contributed to the need for this supplementary funding: Rising operational costs due to inflation and higher fuel prices Maintenance and logistics expenses for equipment and infrastructure Border security and counterterrorism operations, which require sustained financial support Welfare and allowances for military personnel affected by economic pressures Defense analysts note that while Pakistan’s defense budget is allocated annually, economic volatility often creates gaps that must be filled through ECC intervention to avoid disruptions in critical operations. Regional Security Environment The approval comes at a time when regional security dynamics remain complex. Tensions in South Asia, instability in neighboring regions, and global conflicts have reshaped military planning worldwide. For Pakistan, maintaining readiness across land, air, and maritime domains remains a strategic priority. Security experts argue that adequate funding is essential not just for combat readiness, but also for intelligence coordination, disaster response, and peacekeeping commitments. Pakistan’s armed forces frequently play a role in humanitarian relief efforts, from flood response to earthquake recovery, which also require financial resources. Economic Concerns and Public Debate Defense spending in Pakistan often raises questions, especially during periods of economic strain. Critics argue that funds should be prioritized for healthcare, education, and social welfare, while supporters counter that national security is a prerequisite for economic stability. Economists emphasize that ECC approvals do not necessarily mean a permanent increase in defense spending. Instead, they often serve as short-term financial adjustments to ensure continuity. Transparency in how these funds are utilized will be key in maintaining public trust. Impact on Civil-Military Balance The ECC’s decision also reflects the institutional relationship between civilian leadership and the military. Budgetary approvals through civilian forums reinforce constitutional processes and demonstrate oversight mechanisms at work. Observers note that such approvals, when handled transparently, can strengthen democratic governance by ensuring that defense needs are met within a structured financial framework, rather than through ad-hoc arrangements. Broader Implications Beyond immediate military needs, the funding decision has broader implications: Defense preparedness may enhance deterrence and stability Local defense industries could benefit if funds support procurement or maintenance International partners and lenders will watch closely, as defense spending often factors into economic assessments Balancing defense requirements with fiscal responsibility remains a delicate task, especially as Pakistan navigates IMF commitments and economic reforms. Looking Ahead The approval of over Rs. 7 billion for the armed forces highlights the constant balancing act between security and economic management. As Pakistan moves forward, policymakers will face continued pressure to justify defense-related expenditures while addressing public concerns over inflation, employment, and development. For now, the ECC’s decision signals that the government views security readiness as non-negotiable, even in challenging economic times. The real test will lie in how effectively these funds are utilized and whether long-term planning can reduce the need for repeated supplementary approvals.
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