CNN reports that protesters were in the streets despite the Revolutionary Guard issuing a warning that they might be given a “revolutionary response” if the protests continue.  Sounds like we are reaching an endgame in Iran.  If the Guard actually does put down the protests with force, Iran ceases to have any semblance of a popularly elected government and becomes a military dictatorship fully and finally, propped up only by a military force.  To me, that makes it a strong possibility that the Guard itself will move in to call shots, as armies generally do in these types of situations (see: S. America military juntas).  If that happens, Khamanei will no longer be the Supreme Leader in anything but name and the Islamic Republic will have fundamentally changed in the end regardless.

Hot Air reports a strike may be the next phase.  That’s a little harder to put down than street protests.