The wave of anti-regime demonstrations that rocked Iran at the turn of the year were driven primarily by deteriorating economic conditions that should be seen as a wake-up call to the religious and political elite. Grievances over the country’s pursuit of overseas political ambitions while domestic economic and social reforms go unaddressed are rising. Will the call be heeded?
President Rohani promised to improve the economy and deliver a host of benefits in the aftermath of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) the nuclear accord with the P5+1 group of world powers signed in July 2015 and the subsequent lifting of the bulk of sanctions in January 2016. But hopes that this would end Iran’s isolation and usher in much-needed foreign investment have been largely dashed. (CONTINUED - 1089 WORDS)
