Regime messaging suggests that key regime officials could be posing to gain or retain favor as part of efforts to shape the succession to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rather than focusing on responding to protestor grievances.
Anti-regime protests occurred in at least 29 Iranian cities in 20 provinces.
Iranian security forces are using increasingly violent and lethal means to suppress protests.
Protestors have demonstrated the capacity to coordinate demonstrations despite extensive internet and telecommunication restrictions.
Protest rhetoric has evolved to include revolutionary calls to topple the regime.
Oil industry workers and bazaar merchants participated in strikes on October 8.
The IRGC did not attack anti-regime Kurdish militia positions for the first time since September 26, likely in part because the Iraqi parliament met to discuss the attacks.
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-crisis-update-october-8