Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, continues to elevate hardline security personnel in order to maintain his unyielding stance with regard to the demonstrations and the legislation requiring women to wear hijabs in public. Radan is a staunch supporter of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), and he has a wealth of expertise when it comes to suppressing political opposition and demonstrations. It seems probable that Radan will take a tough stance when it comes to implementing the required hijab rule. During his time as law enforcement deputy commander, Radan was a major contributor to the development of the morality patrol program. It is quite possible that Khamenei nominated Radan as the law enforcement commander in part because he was dissatisfied with the performance of the incumbent in reacting to the demonstrations. On January 7, the Judiciary carried out the executions of two other demonstrators named Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini. Despite the protest organizers’ repeated appeals for nationwide protests and strikes on January 6-8, they were unable to create more protest action on January 7, despite the fact that they are affiliated with the Iranian Neighborhood Youth Union.

Analysis: The Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will likely be removed from power within the near term.  He empowers hardline security forces to execute his uncompromising stand on demonstrations and obligatory hijab legislation. The Judiciary killed two more protesters—Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini. Despite repeated calls for nationwide protests and strikes on January 6-8, Iranian Neighborhood Youth Union protest organizers failed again. Two cities in two provinces protested. At the Gachsaran Oil and Gas Company in Kohgilouyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province, unknown gunmen murdered one and wounded two. His wife said state security detained reformist journalist Saeid Seyf Ali.