The Islamic Revolution of February 1979 began with massive popular uprisings against the Shah's dictatorship, uniting diverse groups including communists, religious leaders, liberals, and merchants. People hoped Khomeini would establish democratic governance and improve their lives, but the Shah had increasingly governed like an authoritarian dictator despite speaking of liberalism and democracy.

The new Islamic regime failed to address Iran's economic problems, which became even worse than under the Shah, with inflation exceeding 50%, water and electricity shortages, and widespread poverty among large segments of the population. Rather than delivering on promises of bread and freedom, the government maintained repressive control while channeling resources into regional expansion, military projects, and support for militant groups instead of improving citizens' lives.

Recent Iranian protests focus on opposing government repression, censorship, internet shutdowns, and surveillance, with younger generations rejecting both the aggressive Islamization policies and the regime's authoritarian control. Iranians are increasingly reclaiming their pre-Islamic Persian identity, evident in mass gatherings at sites like Cyrus the Great's tomb and rejecting Islamic symbols, signaling a fundamental rejection of the Islamic Republic's ideological foundation.