Inside Iran’s Post-Massacre Power Struggle

Foreign Policy

by Sina Toossi

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Inside Iran’s Post-Massacre Power Struggle reveals how the recent protests and subsequent crackdown were not just a clash between state and society but also a complex interplay of rival factions within the Islamic Republic. The unrest, which peaked in early January with at least 6,506 protesters killed, was exploited by competing power centers to advance their political agendas. Reformists and conservatives alike sought to steer or contain the protests, with some suggesting that elements within Iran’s intelligence institutions may have engineered the initial disturbances to further their own goals. The protests emerged against a backdrop of severe economic hardship, including U.S. sanctions that have devastated Iran’s economy since 2018. Inflation, currency depreciation, and widespread poverty have fueled public discontent, particularly among the middle class. However, the unrest also had political dimensions, with major commercial hubs like Tehran’s Alaeddin and Charsou malls serving as intersections of commerce and power. These areas are tied to conservative economic networks, highlighting how Iran’s economy is deeply intertwined with its political landscape. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei framed the protests as an existential threat, describing them as akin to a coup. This framing reflects both the regime’s securitized mindset and the internal competition within the state. The crackdown, including a brutal military response and a near-total internet shutdown, was an attempt to consolidate authority and suppress dissent. Meanwhile, Khamenei and other hardliners are navigating mounting pressure from both within and outside Iran. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping Iran’s political future. The regime’s ability to manage internal competition and external pressures will shape its stability and trajectory. As economic struggles persist and public disillusionment with clerical rule grows, the balance of power between rival factions will remain a key factor in determining Iran’s political direction.

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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/19/2026