Iran Economic Siege Divides Experts Over Protests and Change

Scott Bessent’s announcement of a sweeping U.S. sanctions campaign against Iran prompts a split among experts: some see intensified pressure as a catalyst for protests and potential regime change, while others doubt that economic pain alone will trigger a mass uprising given Tehran’s brutality and uncertain international backing. The piece notes a plunging rial, ongoing domestic unrest, and debates over whether Western and U.N. support would meaningfully aid Iranian protesters against a brittle regime during an era of unprecedented economic pressure.