The most recent spate of protests in Iran have escalated since 28 December and raised hopes once again that the end of the Islamic Republic may be imminent. As the security forces ignore the government’s offer of dialogue and the death toll rises, how realistic is that?

Iranians – much like the French – are healthily predisposed to taking to the streets to voice grievances

Protests in Iran are nothing new. In fact, Iranians – much like the French – are healthily predisposed to taking to the streets to voice grievances. In France, marches tend to focus on the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde; in Tehran, protestors habitually march along the main Ferdowsi and Enghelab (Revolution) boulevards to congregate in the central Ferdowsi Square. The first route leads up from the bazaar past the British Embassy and has been a scene of protest for over a century.

The national predisposition to revolt and march against oppressive authority predates the 1979 revolution. Notable uprisings include the Constitutional Revolution of July 1906 when 14,000 Iranians demanding reform from the Qajjar Shah sought asylum at the British Embassy compound until their demands were met.

In July 1952 – following the resignation of prime minister Mossadegh resulting from a power struggle with Shah Mohamed Reza Pahlavi over who should control the army – massive Street demonstrations in Tehran and provincial capitals saw many killed when the military opened fire. Mossadegh was reinstated as prime minister, though removed definitively the following year in a coup following large demonstrations – apparently incited by the CIA and MI6 in response to Mossadegh’s uncompromising policies to nationalise western oil........

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