Iran tries to confront catastrophe' of violent clampdown on protests

"A deep and painful inquest is under way inside Iran as politicians, academics and the security establishment try to come to terms with what has been described as a catastrophe after the violent protests and their even more violent suppression by the security forces. The shape of the debate taking place in the heavily censored society is emerging, as selective newspapers and Telegram channels slowly open up to international audiences after the protests which some estimates suggest could have left more than 30,000 dead that have stunned many Iranians."

"Fissures are appearing across politics, society and diplomacy, suggesting Iran may be entering a more unpredictable period than a phase of repression by the dominant security establishment. Calls are being made for an independent external inquiry into the death toll, for speeding up the reopening of the internet to save businesses on the brink, and for the government to shift its stance on foreign policy. There is also deep concern that economic shock therapy and sanctions are driving food inflation close to an unsustainable 200% annually, with the stock market and the rial under severe pressure."

"Mohammad Fazeli, a reformist sociologist, wrote on his Telegram channel: Iran's history will be entangled with this event for decades, buried under the rubble of this catastrophe. But in these days, beyond the grief for those thousands killed and wounded, a deep sorrow has gripped my entire being. I have no doubt that dozens of others like me have sunk into this same grief and bewilderment. The grief and misery of We failed'."

A painful inquest is underway across Iran as politicians, academics and security officials confront the aftermath of violently suppressed protests with disputed high death tolls. Heavily censored media and selective Telegram channels are beginning to reveal fissures in politics, society and diplomacy. Voices call for an independent external inquiry into casualties, rapid internet restoration to save businesses, and changes in foreign policy posture. Economic shock therapy and sanctions are driving food inflation toward nearly 200% annually, while the stock market and the rial face severe pressure. Reformists face acute political fallout after their recent stewardship of the presidency and initial stance on the protests.

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