How To Support the Upcoming Wave of Iranian Protests
Iranians are likely to take to the streets this September in commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the killing of Mahsa Amini and the hundreds of protestors the Iranian regime killed in the ensuing revolt. In preparation, Iran’s security apparatus has begun preemptively cracking down on activists and has arrested Amini’s uncle and lawyer in a bid to tamp down on further dissent.
The Biden administration promised to “stand with the Iranian people” in its U.S. National Security Strategy but instead has undercut its symbolic sanctions by enriching the regime with ransom payments and unenforced sanctions.
On this anniversary, the administration should live up to its commitment to democracy and the Iranian people by launching a coordinated effort with allies and partners to increase costs on the Iranian regime for its violent oppression of the Iranian people. This should include enforcing sanctions on Iranian oil, inflicting diplomatic and reputational costs on the Iranian regime, and introducing new penalties on Iran and other repressive regimes for systemic abuse of women.
Authors
Gabriel Noronha – Gemunder Center Fellow
Yoni Tobin – Policy Analyst