Story perspectives

Iran Report: 53% Demand Reforms, Anger Hits 64%

7/18/2026

Summary

Iran Presidency Report

Iran’s presidential office released the “What Iran Wants” report compiled by Ali Rabiei for President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The May 2026 poll showed 9% support the status quo, 53% want reforms, 19% demand change, and anger rose to 64%, 12 points higher than December 2025.
Analyst Miad Maleki said figures represent a floor, warned unrest, and reported 81% face food shortages, 75% medical cost problems, and blame divided among inefficiency, corruption and sanctions.

Summary

Iranians Feel Hopeless

Half of surveyed Iranians feel hopeless, with 48 % sad or depressed and 45 % reporting persistent fear or anxiety.
Sixty percent distrust major government institutions, and the poll did not ask whether state-media messaging changed that sentiment.
The report shows Iran’s demand for war reparations clashes with the U.S. offer of a rebranded investment fund, tying military actions to economic stakes.

History

Historical Context

After the 1979 overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the rise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s Islamic Republic, Iran endured U.S. sanctions and a 30 % GDP decline by 1981. A May 2026 poll finds 53 % of Iranians now demand reforms and 64 % express anger, echoing the economic grievances that fueled the original revolution.

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Iran Presidency Report

Iran’s presidential office released the “What Iran Wants” report compiled by Ali Rabiei for President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The May 2026 poll showed 9% support the status quo, 53% want reforms, 19% demand change, and anger rose to 64%, 12 points higher than December 2025.
Analyst Miad Maleki said figures represent a floor, warned unrest, and reported 81% face food shortages, 75% medical cost problems, and blame divided among inefficiency, corruption and sanctions.

1 / 3