Iran's Democracy Movement Surges, Backed by Reza Pahlavi

However, the path to democracy in Iran is fraught with challenges. The Islamic Republic maintains a tight grip on power through unelected institutions, pervasive censorship, and a ruthless security apparatus that suppresses dissent. The Guardian Council, a hard-line body, disqualifies candidates deemed disloyal to the clerical establishment, effectively stifling genuine democratic elections. These structural barriers make any transition inherently difficult and potentially volatile.