Leaked ISPA survey exposes collapsing public trust, rising support for regime change, and the lowest approval rating in the Islamic Republic’s history
A leaked confidential survey by the Iranian Students Polling Agency (ISPA) has revealed a staggering level of public discontent inside Iran, with nearly 92% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with the country’s current state. The report, first disclosed by Rouydad24 on November 12, shows an unprecedented collapse in public trust toward the ruling establishment.
According to the outlet, the findings go far beyond criticism of Masoud Pezeshkian’s government—they reflect “the public’s broader perception of the ruling system.” The data underscores a growing crisis of legitimacy that has shaken the foundations of the clerical regime.
Over the past year, Iran has been gripped by worsening economic collapse, systematic human rights abuses, brutal crackdowns, and deepening environmental disasters—from severe water shortages and power cuts to record air pollution. Together, these crises have fueled nationwide anger and resentment, leaving the regime more isolated than ever.
Even officials inside the system have acknowledged the scale of public discontent. Mohammad-Javad Javadi-Yeganeh, social adviser and head of the Presidential Communications Center, confirmed ISPA’s findings, admitting on November 12 that “people are dissatisfied with the government.” He described the polling process as an attempt to understand “the dimensions and causes of public dissatisfaction,” though critics view it as an attempt at damage control.
The ISPA poll, commissioned by the Presidential Office, reportedly covered 16 provinces—each corresponding to Pezeshkian’s recent provincial visits—with 500 urban and rural respondents interviewed by phone. According to Rouydad24, the detailed results remain classified and have not been officially published.
Nonetheless, this media wrote that, leaks from informed sources reveal that among all administrations since the 1979 revolution, Pezeshkian’s government ranks lowest in public approval, even below those of Ebrahim Raisi and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. While Ahmadinejad’s presidency still maintains some residual popularity in rural areas, his support is notably weaker in Tehran.
Earlier polls by Donya-e-Eqtesad in August had already shown that 72% of Iranians were dissatisfied with Pezeshkian’s performance, and 89% opposed his economic policies.
The ISPA results now confirm what many observers have long warned: the regime’s crisis of legitimacy has entered a dangerous new phase. As corruption, repression, and economic decay deepen, a growing share of Iranians no longer see reform within the current system as possible—and are instead turning to the idea of regime change as the only path forward.
