At least 67 per cent of Iranians want a “fundamental political change”. This is what Iranians claimed when they were asked about a change during a survey by the former director of the state-affiliated Iranian Students Polling Agency (ISPA). Two decades ago, the numbers differed distinctly, with only 8 per cent of the Iranian population seeking a power shift.

A second survey conducted under the supervision of Ali Rabiei, social adviser to President Masoud Pezeshkian, said that 53 per cent of the Islamic Republic supported fundamental reforms, while 19 per cent nodded for a regime change. One of the key findings of the survey claimed that only 9 per cent of the masses in the war-state wanted the status quo to be sustained. This revealed that 91 per cent of the Iranian public wanted change; the numbers are higher than what was anticipated.

ALSO READ: US-Israel Planning Another Massive Attack On Iran? Pentagon Directs CENTCOM To Prep For Combat Operations

Even as the two surveys were carried out in different categories and methodologies, one aspect can be determined. Both surveys revealed that the Iranian public is not content with the political and social system in the country. While the larger population wants the “fundamental change”, it also coincides with the trust they currently have on the three pillars of the government.

Many Expressed Distrust On Three Pillars Of Govt

According to Hajieni’s survey, around 93 per cent of the Iranians expressed their distrust for the political leaders of the country. In Rabiei’s survey, it was found that only 30 per cent of the people trusted the judicial system, and the executive branch was trusted by just over 25 per cent, while more than 59 per cent mistrusted it. Parliament was trusted by 23 per cent, with more than 59 per cent saying they did.

The Trust for Military is comparatively higher

In Hajiani’s survey, it was revealed that 53 per cent of the Iranian masses trust the regular army, while both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the police are trusted by 46 per cent.

Both researchers say that their findings are retrieved from an institutional crisis. Hajiani speaks of a "crisis of authority" or "crisis of reference", while Rabiei identifies a "crisis of efficiency, trust and political representation".

Most people did not respond

According to Hajiani, 70 per cent of those approached by pollsters did not respond. The statistics raise a serious question over whether those willing to participate are representative of those who refuse, particularly when questions concern the legitimacy of the political system.

ALSO READ: US 'Kicks Out' Two Iranian Diplomats Amid Trump's Fresh Attack Warning: What Led To The Move?

Sharq newspaper has previously noted that refusals and evasive answers are particularly common on questions touching on the legitimacy of the government and political system. In a climate where discussing regime change carries severe penalties, even methodologically sound polls often yield guarded responses, a reflection of self-censorship rather than dishonest polling methodology.

This brings us to a critical question: is the Iranian regime nearing its end? While data clearly reflects widespread dissatisfaction with political leaders and the status quo, an even greater challenge lies in measuring public sentiment accurately. Understanding who agrees to answer sensitive questions, how those questions are framed, and which findings ultimately see the light of day remains a complex puzzle.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO WATCH: