Tuesday briefing: What has sparked Iran’s latest wave of protests – and what might happen next | Iran

At least 648 people have been killed by Iran's security services during nationwide protests, according to Eskandar Sadeghi-Boroujerdi, a researcher of the international politics of the Middle East at St Andrews University. The unrest began in December and is fueled by economic hardship, civil rights concerns, and political repression. Donald Trump has threatened US military intervention, warning that any country doing business with Iran will face a 25% tariff rate on trade. The Iranian foreign minister claims the protests are "under total control." The unrest comes after years of pressure on the Islamic Republic, including economic sanctions and the collapse of regional alliances. Sadeghi-Boroujerdi argues that the regime is weaker than ever before, facing mass discontent and a lack of support from its own political elite.