The Revolutionary Guards — the country’s most powerful military force — have become so deeply woven into Iran’s economy and power structure that they have everything to lose if the system falls.
Human rights groups say at least 185 people have been killed and thousands injured or arrested, but demonstrations that began after the death of Mahsa Amini have continued nearly a month.
Universities across Iran have erupted in protests after more than decade of being politically dormant, with students joining the unrest that has convulsed the country for the past three weeks.
The hijabs women are forced to wear have long been a sign of the government’s power. Now, the women-led protests have made them a symbol of a clashing vision of Iran’s future.