Don’t Discount Iran’s Internal Opposition
The Atlantic
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Islamic Republic of Iran has recently demonstrated its deep-seated fear of internal opposition by arresting prominent critics, including reformist figures who had previously supported incremental change but later advocated for systemic transformation. Prominent activists like Abdollah Momeni, Mehdi Mahmoudian, and Vida Rabbani were detained and moved to distant prisons, though they were eventually released on bail. These individuals, along with others such as former Deputy Interior Minister Mostafa Tajzadeh and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, had called for a democratic transition and the resignation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, actions that likely triggered their arrests. The regime’s crackdown reflects its growing existential anxiety, as the opposition has increasingly united around demands for fundamental change.
The reformist faction within Iran, while part of the political system, is seen as a loyal opposition pushing for gradual reforms. Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and his party, the Iranian Reformist Front, have faced their own challenges, with leader Azar Mansouri and colleagues being detained on charges of undermining national unity. The regime’s sensitivity to such voices suggests it fears any organized internal dissent could weaken its grip on power. Experts like Anahita Hosseini-Lewis note that Iran’s system is struggling with an “acute existential anxiety,” driven by the growing consensus among opposition groups, both inside and outside the country, for a replacement of the current regime.
The Islamic Republic has long sought to suppress domestically rooted alternatives, as seen in its recent arrests. This strategy aims to prevent internal movements from gaining traction, pushing many Iranians to look toward external figures like former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. However, some critics argue that the royalist movement lacks inclusivity and political
Verticals
politicsculture
Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/20/2026