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10 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Iran Intensifies Crackdown on Reformists Amid Political Tensions

Iran's government continues its crackdown on reformist figures amid rising political tensions.

The Iranian government is intensifying its crackdown on reformist figures, signaling a hardening stance against dissent. This move comes amid rising political tensions and economic challenges within the country. The crackdown involves arrests, restrictions on movement, and increased surveillance of individuals associated with reformist movements.

This action reflects the ongoing power struggle between hardliners and reformists within Iran's political landscape. The international community is closely monitoring these developments, expressing concerns about human rights and political freedoms in Iran.

Key Facts

1.

The Iranian government is intensifying its crackdown on reformist figures.

2.

The crackdown involves arrests and restrictions on movement.

3.

There is increased surveillance of individuals associated with reformist movements.

4.

This action reflects the ongoing power struggle between hardliners and reformists within Iran's political landscape.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: International Relations - Impact of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests.

2.

GS Paper 2: Polity - Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

3.

Potential question types: Statement based MCQs on Iranian political system, analytical questions on the impact of Iran's internal politics on regional stability.

More Information

Background

The current crackdown on reformists in Iran is rooted in a long history of political struggle between different factions within the country's political system. Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, there has been a tension between hardliners who advocate for a strict interpretation of Islamic principles and reformists who seek greater political and social freedoms. This tension has manifested in various ways, including restrictions on the press, limitations on political participation, and the suppression of dissent. The Guardian Council, a body of clerics, plays a significant role in vetting candidates for elections and ensuring that laws are in accordance with Islamic principles. This has often been used to disqualify reformist candidates and limit their ability to gain power. The concept of Velayat-e Faqih, or Guardianship of the Jurist, which gives supreme religious authority to the Supreme Leader, is central to understanding Iran's political structure. Iran's political system is a complex mix of theocratic and democratic elements. The President is elected by popular vote, but the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority. The Majlis (Parliament) is responsible for legislation, but its laws are subject to review by the Guardian Council. This system creates opportunities for both reform and repression, depending on the balance of power between different factions. Understanding the powers and functions of these institutions is crucial to understanding Iranian politics.

Latest Developments

The intensification of the crackdown on reformists can be seen as part of a broader trend of increasing authoritarianism in Iran. This trend has been fueled by a number of factors, including economic challenges, regional tensions, and the perceived threat of foreign interference. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was intended to ease these tensions, but its future remains uncertain following the withdrawal of the United States. Recent years have seen increased protests and social unrest in Iran, driven by economic grievances and demands for greater political freedom. These protests have been met with a harsh response from the government, including arrests, detentions, and the use of force. The government has also tightened its control over the internet and social media, making it more difficult for people to organize and express dissent. The role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in suppressing dissent has also been a subject of international concern. Looking ahead, the future of Iran's political system remains uncertain. The ongoing power struggle between hardliners and reformists is likely to continue, and the country faces significant economic and social challenges. The international community will continue to monitor the situation closely, and the pressure for greater human rights and political freedoms is likely to increase. The upcoming elections and the succession of the Supreme Leader will be key moments that could shape the future of Iran.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Guardian Council in Iran: 1. It is responsible for vetting candidates for elections. 2. It ensures that laws passed by the Majlis are in accordance with Islamic principles. 3. All members of the Guardian Council are directly elected by the people. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Guardian Council is responsible for vetting candidates for elections in Iran. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Guardian Council ensures that laws passed by the Majlis (Parliament) are in accordance with Islamic principles. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The members of the Guardian Council are NOT directly elected by the people. They are appointed by the Supreme Leader and the head of the judiciary.

2. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'Velayat-e Faqih' in Iran?

  • A.A system of direct democracy where all citizens participate in decision-making.
  • B.The principle of separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
  • C.The Guardianship of the Jurist, which gives supreme religious authority to the Supreme Leader.
  • D.A secular legal system based on Western jurisprudence.
Show Answer

Answer: C

The correct answer is C. Velayat-e Faqih, or Guardianship of the Jurist, is a central concept in Iran's political system. It gives supreme religious authority to the Supreme Leader, who is considered the ultimate interpreter of Islamic law. This concept is a key feature of Iran's theocratic system.

3. Assertion (A): The Iranian government is intensifying its crackdown on reformist figures. Reason (R): This crackdown is occurring amid rising political tensions and economic challenges within the country. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The Iranian government is indeed intensifying its crackdown on reformists, and this is happening in the context of rising political tensions and economic challenges. The crackdown is a response to these challenges and an attempt to suppress dissent.

Source Articles

Iran Protests 2026 Highlights: Death toll crosses 500, say activists; Trump says US military weighing ‘strong options’ on Iran | World News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·10 Feb 2026

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