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Story summary
- Protests in Iran intensify as the economy collapses and government repression increases.
- Ali Khamenei, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader of Iran, remains a key obstacle to reform.
- His hardline stance blocks changes like relaxing hijab laws, despite elite acknowledgment.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has expanded its influence, intertwining with Khamenei’s patronage network.
- Experts say meaningful change may come only after Khamenei departs amid growing dissent.