Iran is considering easing the mandate for women to wear hijabs in public places. On top of that, officials are also talking about the possibility of dismantling the country's so-called "morality police''. The protesters, however, continue to seek the end of the regime in its entirety. So what exactly is the state of affairs in Iran?
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Firstly, in his major long-term game, the ayatollahs blinked first. The willingness to take a step back is not obvious when it comes to an entity that claims to represent the only true worldview. The majority of critical remarks leveled at the leadership in recent months were due to its corruption and oppressive policies, void of religious substance, but claiming to act "in the name of God."
When senior officials admit that there is no obligation to observe the laws of modesty and wear hair coverings at all times, they also admit that politics is stronger than religion.
The ayatollahs always had this sobriety, but it competed for prominence with militant revolutionism. Every revolution splits into two at one point or another into those who view its confrontation position as a strength and those who view revolutionary changes as a boost of energy aimed at creating a new order and lasting stability.
Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei seems to be leaning toward a permanent revolution. And yet, he supported the nuclear deal. The decisions made in recent days also indicate an understanding that the future of the republic lies in sobriety and even listening to the citizens.
And what about the protesters? Will they be encouraged by the concessions and increase the protests demanding the end of the regime? Not necessarily. This protest/revolution moves at a different pace.
It aims to bring into it as many people and hardships as possible to offer a national story that could replace the Islamic republic. The latter continues to err and expose its economic and moral corruption in a variety of areas. As such, time works in the protesters' favor.
And yet, the Islamic republic still stands firm. The protestors are not seeking a coup, but a revolution. It is likely that they will hear the messages of the leadership in Tehran but will not stop the protests. The reported "gestures" were intended to "pacify" them. But the protesters are steadfast on a path whose end is completely unknown.
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