Iran Faces Historic Moment as Protests Intensify Over Executions and Repression

By Hamid Enayat
Friday, 26 September 2025 01:47 PM EDT

Protesters in Toronto, Ontario, have condemned the Islamic Republic of Iran for an execution, demanding human rights during a demonstration. The unrest reflects growing global scrutiny of Iran’s repressive policies.

The activation of the “snapback” mechanism marks a critical shift, potentially crippling the regime’s war machine and regional aggression. This move, reinstating sanctions against the religious dictatorship, could disrupt its geopolitical ambitions. Thousands of Iranian diaspora members in the U.S. and European cities like Brussels have rallied, urging the snapback to curb the regime’s belligerence and halt bloodshed.

Since the 1988 Iran-Iraq War, the Islamic Republic has masked domestic repression through manufactured crises and cross-border conflicts. Its strategy—rooted in nuclear development, missile capabilities, and proxy networks—has faced a significant setback. The snapback forces Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to choose between escalation or concession, both of which risk societal upheaval.

Khamenei’s refusal to abandon uranium enrichment, as stated in a recent speech, underscores his prioritization of the nuclear program over stability. The regime’s internal divisions are evident: some factions downplay sanctions, while others threaten drastic measures like closing the Strait of Hormuz or conducting a nuclear test.

With UN sanctions reimposed, Iran’s leadership faces mounting pressure. A society grappling with poverty, inflation, and state violence is increasingly poised for resistance. The snapback has created a pivotal moment for the Iranian people to challenge their rulers.