Khamenei crushed every revolt, outlasted every sanction, survived every assassination plot, now?

Mass protests in Tehran over economic hardship have escalated into the most serious challenge to Iran’s leadership in decades. Demonstrations that began in the Grand Bazaar quickly spread nationwide, prompting a harsh crackdown, internet shutdowns, and mounting casualties. As public anger grows and sanctions continue to strain the economy, the survival of the Islamic Republic is increasingly questioned. This in-depth report examines the legitimacy crisis facing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the decisive role of the Revolutionary Guards, stalled nuclear talks with the United States, and the possible future scenarios for Iran — from internal elite transition to systemic collapse. Is this unrest a temporary flare-up, or the beginning of a historic turning point?