From protest to power politics in the Middle East

What is really happening in Iran?

What happens to human rights and peaceful protest when global powers prioritise their own strategic interests? The recent brutal crackdown on mass protests in Iran exposes how justice, democracy and human dignity are increasingly sidelined in today’s geopolitics. During an almost complete digital blackout, thousands of protesters were killed, arrested or disappeared — while the international community largely stood by.

At the same time, global diplomacy appears to be shifting. The United States, with mediation from Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, is moving towards negotiations with Tehran. This contrasts sharply with earlier statements by President Trump, who urged protesters to continue and promised that “help is on its way.” Two weeks later, after tens of thousands of deaths, injuries and arrests, many Iranians feel abandoned by democratic powers. Washington now seems focused on striking a deal, while Moscow and Beijing openly support the regime’s survival.

In just two days, the repression claimed more civilian lives than two years of war in Gaza — yet international outrage and political consequences remain limited. Why is this the case? And what does it reveal about the future of global power, human rights and international solidarity?

During this event, we will examine the following questions:

• Which power blocs are shaping the current and future security architecture of the Middle East?
• What role does the EU play, having placed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on its terrorism list alongside ISIS and Al-Qaida?
• What are Iranian protesters fighting for, and why is it crucial that we listen to their voices here?

English is the main language, but you are welcome to ask questions in Dutch as well.

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