Simone Derayeh

The recent act of a young woman at Research Sciences university in Iran, who undressed down to her undergarments in a bold stand against the country’s restrictive morality laws, has captured widespread attention and sparked a renewed conversation about the direction of Iran’s revolutionary movement. While we still don’t know much about her or what exactly sparked the incident, her courage is undeniable. It stands as a powerful act of civil disobedience and a testament to the determination of Iranian women to reclaim their autonomy. Yet, as courageous as acts like hers are, they also bring forth a crucial question: how can individual courage translate into meaningful, systemic change?

Iran’s revolutionary journey has been shaped by many pivotal moments, each a stepping stone in the broader fight for freedom. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, for example, called for dignity, gender equality, and justice, galvanizing support within Iran and worldwide. Similarly, the 2009 Green Movement’s rallying cry of “Where is my vote?” sparked widespread political consciousness and exposed the regime’s repressive nature. Though the Green Movement ultimately remained within the framework of the regime, it laid the foundation upon which later waves of activism have built. There were several other uprisings in between such as the 2019 bloody November with economic demands after the rise in gasoline prices and uprisings with environmental demands in Khuzestan and Isfahan addressing the water scarcity.  But today, Iran’s movement requires a broader, unified approach if it is to achieve full national sovereignty and the freedoms that Iranians seek.

Research on the effectiveness of civil resistance shows that successful revolutions require more than just moments of bravery—they demand clear objectives and consistent messaging. Political scientists Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan have shown that movements with specific, goal-oriented demands are more likely to sustain public support and achieve lasting change. Nonviolent campaigns, in particular, are most successful when they focus on tangible, unified aims, which creates the necessary buy-in for a widespread movement. Movements that lack these elements can capture attention, as the symbolic undressing at Research Sciences did, but without a focused message, such acts risk being fleeting symbols of resistance rather than the seeds of systemic change.

For a revolution to truly succeed, it must contain several critical ingredients. First, there must be widespread public discontent, which is clear in Iran today. Second, the discontent must be translated into organized, specific demands with a clear message, giving the movement direction and purpose. Third, the movement benefits from regional and international factors that can put pressure on the regime. And last but not least the defection of individuals in high positions in the regime as well as members of the military and armed forces. 

With the election of President Trump, Israel’s steadfast support for the Iranian people, and the West’s broader interest in countering Iran’s influence, there are opportunities to align with external actors who share the aim of weakening the Islamic Republic. If Iranian protesters can present a unified front with clear goals, this alignment could work in their favor, as allies like Israel are actively undermining Iran’s strategic capabilities, indirectly bolstering the momentum for change.

Iran’s movement must focus on cultivating a public presence that clearly communicates these shared goals and objectives. In a totalitarian setting, while acts of civil disobedience such as the young woman’s protest can inspire, they often fall short of inciting broader action. Unlike civil rights movements in democratic societies—where actions like Rosa Parks’ protest spurred policy changes—acts of civil disobedience within a repressive regime can inspire, but they often lack the ability to translate into a wave of widespread change. Iranians must now articulate not just their dissatisfaction but their vision for a new Iran: a secular, democratic government that respects their rights and freedoms. Silent protests, while deeply brave, don’t carry the weight needed to mobilize a nation. Our oppressors already know of our discontent; what they must hear now is our collective call for an Iran governed by secular democracy, under clearly defined leadership.

A secular, democratic Iran has long been envisioned by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose leadership has become a unifying symbol for those seeking to reclaim the country’s sovereignty. Crown Prince Pahlavi’s vision of an Iran that upholds the rights and protections of all its citizens—regardless of gender, ethnicity, or belief—is an essential path forward. 

To solidify this path, the revolution must unify under a banner that signals this collective demand, combining the principles of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” , economic demands of the 2019 uprising, the environmental uprisings of Khuzestan and Isfahan  and many other mass protests in the past few decades  for movement with the wider goal of a democratic, secular Iran under a clear leadership. 

The presence of Iran’s national symbols—the lion and sun flag, images of Crown Prince Pahlavi, and chants explicitly calling for regime change—serves as a rallying point that distinguishes the movement’s intent. By using these symbols, the revolution clarifies its stance, distinguishing its demands from mere dissatisfaction with one or two policies of the regime and making a decisive statement for full regime change.

In this crucial stage, Iranians must focus on cultivating a public presence with a message that signals both unity and purpose. When the people’s demands are concrete and the pathway to regime change is clear, Iran’s revolution will not only continue but accelerate, moving ever closer to the vision of a liberated nation.

Meanwhile, it is important to understand that actions like the silent protest of the woman at Research Sciences are but a link in the chain of bravery. Each act contributes to a growing, powerful movement, reminding the world of Iran’s unyielding fight for freedom.