Internal power shift in Iran: IRGC consolidates control after US war (legrandcontinent.eu)

• IRGC now exercises real power, sidelining clerical leadership.
• Societal liberalization: women without hijab tolerated, cultural events.
• Political opposition remains brutally repressed.
• New nationalism replaces Islamic ideology as legitimizing frame.
• Youth prioritizes economic progress over political change.

"After the US-Iran war and a subsequent ceasefire, Iran has experienced an internal regime change without a change of leadership. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has consolidated power, sidelining the clerical establishment. According to analysts Bajoghli and Nasr, the new rulers adopt a nationalist-technocratic framing, downplaying religious ideology for national unity. Societal liberalization has occurred, with women freely going without hijab and cultural events proliferating. However, political dissent is still brutally repressed. The shift mirrors a right-wing authoritarian state, with the IRGC seeking legitimacy through effective administration and regional power projection. The youth, educated and urban, focus on economic progress, temporarily setting aside political demands."