Why the Iranian Regime Is Softening Its Stance on the Hijab

Aug 13, 2026 | "We see very, very many more women now going into the streets very easily, having coffee together, not wearing the veil ... so that protest in a way has dissipated, because in a way, that battle has been won by women, despite what the hardliners are saying."

In Iran, the National Security Council suspended strict enforcement imposed upon women because the regime recognised it was fighting a "losing battle”, says Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian, director of international studies and global politics at Cambridge University.

Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian was speaking to Stephen Sackur on The Times At One. Listen live every Monday to Thursday, from 1pm.


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