By Ahmad Barakizadeh
This week marked the 100th day since the January 2026 protests, known as the Sun and Lion Revolution, began as an outcry over economic hardship. It quickly grew into a nationwide challenge to the Islamic Republic. The authorities responded with a brutal crackdown on unarmed protesters in the streets, alleyways, homes, and even hospitals. The violence peaked on January 8 and 9, 2026, leaving tens of thousands dead and scars that continue to define Iranian society.
The Islamic Republic’s diplomacy: all division, no delegation.
By Behnam Mohammadi
Deep divisions within Iran’s leadership prevented Tehran from dispatching a team to Islamabad for talks with the United States. Rival factions remain at odds over both policy and power. The infighting was reportedly evident in the last round of talks, when internal clashes within the Iranian camp became so heated that Pakistani mediators stepped in before the meeting was paused.
