Iranians have frequently demonstrated to voice their frustration with the economic and political conditions in their country. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests that broke out following the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police were a vivid display of displeasure with the Iranian regime. Iranians’ hopes for a better future, however, were dashed as the regime clung to power and lapsed to the status quo ante of repression. Not only is the regime cracking down on those who violate the hijab law, but it is also applying preventive measures to discourage demonstrations from breaking out again. This is creating a sense of powerlessness among Iranians over the prospects for any political change in Iran and leading them to strive for a better life elsewhere.

During the demonstrations that followed Amini’s tragic death, many Iranian women refused to wear a hijab despite the regime’s long-standing mandate requiring it. In the beginning, so many women refused to wear the hijab that the regime could not enforce the mandate. Gradually, however, the regime began to introduce measures to enforce the hijab law, including denying state services to those who refused to wear one. As a result, many women were suspended from universities, banned from taking final exams, and denied access to public transportation. Moreover, 110 university professors and lecturers who expressed anti-regime sentiments were either fired or suspended.

Additionally, after a long absence, the regime announced the return of the morality police to enforce the mandatory hijab. On July 16, a police spokesperson stated that police patrols would resume enforcement of the compulsory hijab and threatened legal action against those who defied the mandate. On social media, videos were posted showing women being assaulted by officials in Tehran and the north-central city of Rasht and security forces attacking people who helped women escape arrest. The regime also installed smart cameras to monitor violators of the hijab law. According to Iranian officials, more than 1 million women have received text messages since April warning that their vehicles would be impounded after they were captured on camera without a hijab.

The Iranian regime also took serious measures to prevent demonstrations around the September 16 anniversary of Amini’s death. According to Amnesty International, over the past year, the regime tightened its grip on power through “hundreds of unlawful killings; the arbitrary execution of seven protesters; tens of thousands of arbitrary arrests; widespread torture, including rape of detainees; widespread harassment of victims’ families who call for truth and justice; and reprisals against women and girls who defy discriminatory compulsory veiling laws.” Additionally, at least 354 people were hanged in the first half of 2023 (including six women), significantly more than the 261 people who were executed over the same period in 2022. In addition, many family members of protesters who died during the demonstrations were arrested or summoned across the country. Many other women were arrested out of regime concerns they might ignite demonstrations. For instance, 11 women’s rights activists were arrested in Gilan for “preparing unrest and insecurity.” The regime also arrested five others for “organizing riots” and closed social media pages they created.

The regime’s brutal crackdown and the sense of despair that many Iranians are feeling are leading to loss of hope for a better future and pressure to migrate. In a recent meeting with managers and specialists in the medical field, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed concerns about the growing number of skilled workers leaving Iran. Raisi’s remarks came against the backdrop of official statements highlighting the increasing brain drain and capital flight from Iran. Mohammad Reza Tajik, a former Iranian official, said that the massive wave of migration is a result of domestic conditions that are overwhelming society. He also added that most Iranians who are leaving are either the well educated who believe the regime is too repressive or “wealthy Iranians who believe the country’s long-standing and worsening political and economic crises will endanger their capital and investments in Iran.” Indeed, the head of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Masoud Khansari, said in an interview that the annual outflow of capital was nearly $10 billion. This brain drain includes critical health care workers and other professionals as well as students. One survey indicated that more than 90% of Iranian PhD candidates currently studying in the United States intended to remain in the country permanently rather than returning to Iran. Yet, despite a clear understanding of the consequences, Iran’s government has done little to convince them to stay.

The regime’s failure to create an open and prosperous society for Iranians is leading Iran’s richest and brightest to reconsider their future in their country. With the economy in shambles and individual freedoms perpetually limited, Iranians are increasingly seeking a better life for themselves and their children outside the country.