NEW YORK / TEHRAN — Award‑winning Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has delivered a forceful critique of Iran’s leadership and its response to mass protests, saying the country’s government is nearing collapse as the streets continue to boil with dissent.
Speaking from abroad while promoting his latest film, It Was Just an Accident, Panahi — who himself has been sentenced in absentia to prison on charges of “propaganda activities” — said the current wave of protests represents a turning point for his homeland. He described the ruling system as a “failed state” struggling to maintain control after its handling of widespread unrest triggered by economic hardship and political frustration.
‘This Regime Will Fall,’ Panahi Says
Panahi, a Palme d’Or winner and internationally acclaimed director, told interviewers that Iran’s leadership has lost legitimacy in the eyes of many citizens following a brutal crackdown on demonstrators. He said the violent response to public protests, which have spread nationwide, has only deepened the perception that the regime is unable to govern effectively or respond to the needs of its people.
The filmmaker, who has faced imprisonment and travel bans in recent years for his critical stance toward Tehran’s authorities, called on the global artistic community to support Iranians striving for justice and change. He argued that silence in the face of widespread repression amounts to complicity and warned that unchecked violence could perpetuate cycles of brutality.
Protests and Crackdown Continue
Panahi’s comments come as protesters across Iran confront heavy security crackdowns. Human rights organisations report thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests amid demonstrations that began over economic issues but quickly expanded into broader calls for political change. Communication blackouts and internet restrictions have further complicated efforts to verify on‑the‑ground conditions.
The veteran filmmaker used his platform to highlight the suffering of ordinary Iranians, urging the international community not to look away from the crisis. His remarks reflect a growing chorus of voices within and outside Iran calling for greater attention to the country’s human rights situation.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.