Even if the Islamic Republic were overthrown today, it would take at least 50 years to rebuild. Either the country gets sold off so the Islamic Republic leaves and then it’s finished that way. Our kids are full of brilliance, full of talent, sharp and intelligent, but in isolation, they’ll never flourish.”Hasan, 29, gold market traderHasan works in the gold market inside Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where the protests first started in December. View image in fullscreen AshkanHe says the Islamic Republic will be finished by the end of this month. He’s been saying for a long time that the Islamic Republic is doomed and that they will go.” He says his father’s businesses have not been affected by the strikes.

Source: The Guardian January 09, 2026 10:05 UTC