On the anniversary of the 1979 revolution, the streets of various Iranian cities echoed with defiant slogans: “Death to Khamenei,” “Death to Zahhak,” and “Death to the dictator.” These chants, expressions of deep public anger toward Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, are a stark reflection of the widespread dissatisfaction permeating the country.
A Nation’s Anger
Public resentment toward Khamenei has become the dominant sentiment among Iranians. From the moment they rise in the morning until they retire at night, citizens grapple with daily hardships they attribute directly to Khamenei’s policies. Power outages, essential appliance failures, the soaring cost of basic goods, worsening air pollution, and the leader’s intransigence in governance have all fueled frustration. As a result, curses and insults directed at Khamenei have become more prevalent in everyday discourse than ever before.
A fundamental question arises: Is this outrage a fleeting reaction, or does it signify a deeper and more lasting transformation in Iranian politics?
A Structural Shift in Public Dissent
The growing and persistent anger toward Khamenei is no longer just an outburst of temporary dissatisfaction but has become an enduring and defining element of Iran’s political and social structure. The Iranian people have moved beyond mere discontent; they are now openly and consistently voicing their grievances.
While Iran has witnessed waves of discontent in the past, the current level of public anger—cutting across different social and economic groups—is unprecedented. Even among the regime’s dwindling base of supporters, frustration with the country’s economic and social conditions is palpable.
From Private Criticism to Public Condemnation
Expressions of dissatisfaction with Khamenei’s rule were once confined to private circles, whispered behind closed doors. Today, criticism is voiced boldly in public spaces, on social media, and even in the streets. Fear and caution, which once muted opposition, have given way to open defiance.
Where once veiled critiques might have surfaced in casual conversations, now explicit condemnation of Khamenei is common, frequently expressed in harsh and repetitive language. The surge in direct verbal attacks against him underscores a broader societal shift—one in which public anger is no longer repressed but actively aired.
The Root Causes of Escalating Rage
A confluence of crises has intensified public frustration. Economic hardship, rolling blackouts, environmental degradation, and the inability to afford basic necessities have exacerbated grievances. For many Iranians, these struggles are not isolated issues but interwoven consequences of Khamenei’s governance.
This deep and widespread anger is no longer solely about economic and social hardship—it is the product of years of systemic mismanagement and repression. Iran’s people increasingly see Khamenei as the primary obstacle to progress, and their anger toward him has become a defining feature of the nation’s political discourse.
The Consequences of an Angry Nation
The transition from silent discontent to open outrage marks a profound shift in Iran’s political landscape. This transformation could have far-reaching implications for the regime, signaling the country’s entry into a new phase of sustained popular protest.
Farshad Momeni, a university professor of economics, recently expressed his concern about this escalating frustration. Writing on the anniversary of the 1979 revolution, he warned:
“Our people are rightly angry about all this corruption, inefficiency, unjustified inequalities, and crises large and small. But if this anger is not guided by wisdom and careful consideration, it will lead to collective loss for all.”
As Iran navigates this period of intense public dissent, the key question remains: Will this anger translate into meaningful political change, or will it be met with intensified repression? One thing is clear—Khamenei’s grip on power faces its most significant challenge yet.
Source » bourseandbazaar