Events

This panel brings together scholars of Iranian Studies to examine the unfolding crisis in Iran, from the nationwide protests and violent state crackdown in January 2026 to the escalating regional war that followed. The discussion asks what is often overlooked when Iran is framed primarily through the lens of geopolitics or military confrontation. Panelists will explore how domestic unrest, political repression, economic pressures, sanctions, and regional rivalries intersect in shaping Iran’s current trajectory. By placing recent events in historical and political context, the panel highlights the perspectives of Iranian society and considers what these developments may mean for Iran’s future and the broader Middle East. Register & receive the zoom link via: https://go.unc.edu/cmeis3