Recent unrest in Iran has sparked hopes among protesters and their supporters that the authoritarian regime is nearing collapse, but evidence suggests its decline remains gradual rather than sudden. Despite mounting economic pressures, including severe sanctions and soaring inflation, the regime's security forces have maintained loyalty and ruthlessly suppressed demonstrations. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps and its auxiliary Basij militia play a central role in enforcing the government's grip on power, ensuring that protests are swiftly quashed. While the authorities face significant internal and external challenges, including international threats and widespread public resentment, the lack of unified opposition leadership and the resilience of security forces mean the regime is not yet on the brink of falling. History offers examples of rapid regime collapse, but for now, Iran's rulers continue to hold firm, with opponents hoping that increased pressure will eventually accelerate the process of change.