Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has responded to widespread protests with the harshest crackdown of his rule, resulting in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. The unrest reflects deep public anger over economic hardship, corruption, and years of sanctions, with chants openly calling for Khamenei's removal. Despite the domestic turmoil, Khamenei is now seeking to avert a possible American attack by cautiously opening the door to negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, a reversal of his previous stance.

Khamenei's grip on power has been maintained through the dominance of the clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, which has become a central force in both Iran's military and economy. While past reform movements and protests have been crushed, the latest wave of unrest has been met with unprecedented violence and repression. The question of succession looms as Khamenei ages, with uncertainty over whether the clerics or the Revolutionary Guard would ultimately control Iran's future.

Regional and international efforts are underway to facilitate talks between Iran and the United States, but major disagreements remain, particularly over Iran's nuclear activities. The prospect of foreign intervention divides Iranians, with fears that removing Khamenei by force could plunge the country into deeper conflict and instability.