A deep and painful inquest is under way inside Iran as politicians, academics and the security establishment try to come to terms with what has been described as a catastrophe after the violent protests and their even more violent suppression by the security forces.
The shape of the debate taking place in the heavily censored society is emerging,as selective newspapers and Telegram channels slowly open up to international audiences after the protests – which some estimates suggest could have left more than 30,000 dead – that have stunned many Iranians.Fissures are appearing across politics, society and diplomacy, suggesting Iran may be entering a more unpredictable period than a phase of repression by the dominant security establishment.
Calls are being made for an independent external inquiry into the death toll, for speeding up the reopening of the internet to save businesses on the brink, and for the government to shift its stance on foreign policy.
There is also deep concern that economic shock therapy and sanctions are driving food inflation close to an unsustainable 200% annually,with the stock market and the rial under severe pressure.
few deny the severity of the tragedy that has befallen Iran, even if they disagree about its cause and scale. Politically the crisis is especially deep for the reformists as they have held the presidency for 18 months and initially described the protests as legitimate.
Mohammad Fazeli, a reformist sociologist, wrote on his Telegram channel: “Iran’s history will be entangled with this event for decades, buried under the rubble of this catastrophe.
“But in these days, beyond the grief for those thousands killed and wounded, a deep sorrow has gripped my entire being. I have there’s no doubt whatsoever that dozens of others like me have sunk into this same grief and bewilderment. The grief and misery of ‘We failed’.”
Abolfazl Ghadyani and Allegations Against Ali Khamenei
Definition / Direct Answer: Abolfazl Ghadyani, an 80-year-old Iranian political activist currently imprisoned, has publicly accused Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali khamenei, of ordering the suppression of protests and committing crimes against humanity.
Detail: Ghadyani’s statement, reported in late January 2026, alleges that Khamenei directly instructed security forces to harshly quell the protests, characterizing this as an act of ”endless hostile vindictiveness and the desire for revenge against the Iranian people.” He further stated the scale of the repression was unprecedented in Iran’s recent history. Ghadyani’s comments were made from prison,highlighting the continued dissent despite government crackdowns. He also characterized Khamenei as a desperate leader facing inevitable failure.
Example or Evidence: Ghadyani’s statement was reported by various news outlets following the ongoing protests in Iran, though independent verification from within Iran is extremely arduous due to restricted media access.Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported on Ghadyani’s statements on January 28, 2026.
Internet Suppression and Internal Disputes in Iran
Definition / Direct Answer: The Iranian government continues to suppress internet access during periods of unrest,but this policy is facing internal criticism,with some government members blaming the security services for the shutdowns.
Detail: According to the source, Iranian security services view criticism like Ghadyani’s as justification for continued internet suppression. however, the report also indicates a disagreement within the government itself, with some officials holding the security services responsible for the disruptions to internet access. This suggests a power struggle or differing approaches to managing dissent within the Iranian government. Internet shutdowns have been a recurring tactic employed by iranian authorities during protests, aiming to limit the flow of information and hinder organization among demonstrators.
Example or Evidence: Human Rights Watch documented widespread internet shutdowns during the September 2022 protests in iran, noting their impact on the ability of citizens to communicate and access information. While this report predates the January 2026 timeframe, it establishes a pattern of internet suppression by the Iranian government. Further reports from The Committee to Protect Journalists consistently highlight restrictions on media freedom and internet access in Iran.
Ali Khamenei and the Iranian protests
Definition / Direct Answer: Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has been accused of directly ordering the suppression of protests and is facing increasing criticism both domestically and internationally.
Detail: Khamenei holds ultimate authority in Iran’s political system, overseeing the military, judiciary, and religious institutions. The protests referenced in the source stem from a variety of grievances, including economic hardship, social restrictions, and political repression. Ghadyani’s accusation directly implicates Khamenei in a crackdown on these protests, alleging a deliberate strategy of violence and revenge. The protests have been ongoing sence September 2022, initially sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police.
Example or Evidence: The U.S. Department of State has consistently condemned the Iranian government’s response to the protests and imposed sanctions on officials involved in the repression. Specifically, sanctions have been levied against individuals and entities linked to the security forces and judiciary responsible for the crackdown. The Office of Foreign assets Control (OFAC) maintains a list of sanctioned individuals and entities related to Iran, providing specific details on the rationale for each sanction.
Breaking news Check (2026/01/29 20:00:53): As of this date, reports continue to emerge regarding ongoing protests and crackdowns in Iran. There have been no significant updates directly contradicting Ghadyani’s statements, but independent verification remains challenging. BBC News reported on January 29, 2026, that protests continue in several Iranian cities, with reports of arrests and clashes with security forces. The internet remains heavily restricted.
