From the Heritage Foundation, I'm Michelle Cordero, and this is Heritage Explains.

Widespread protests have erupted in Iran.

Crowds of brave Iranian women have been seen removing their hijabs and throwing them into fires,

cutting their hair and shouting death to the dictator.

Shiaan, al-zade!

Women have been the driving force behind these protests, but they are not alone.

Students have refused to go to school, flooding the streets, and footage of men ripping down billboards of Ayatollah Kamini have surfaced.

Footage has also surfaced of Iran's morality police and other security forces using excessive

and lethal force against protesters.

Iranian state media has reported the death toll to be around 60, but that number is likely higher.

So what is it that sparked these historic protests? Could they bring positive change to Iran?

And what is the proper response from the United States?

Today, Victoria Coates, a senior research fellow in international affairs and national security

at Heritage, explains.

But first, a short message from the Heritage Foundation. Five days a week, two episode formats, one mission, to deliver the news you care about and analysis on the biggest issues facing America.

The Daily Signal podcast brings you two episodes every day in the same podcast feed.

Each morning, catch interviews with policymakers, leading experts, and conservative activists

as we discuss some of the greatest challenges facing our country and offer solutions for a

brighter future. And every weekday at 5 p.m., we bring you the top news of the day.

These are the headlines you care about.

Subscribe to the Daily Signal podcast wherever you get your podcast,

so you never miss out on our morning interviews or evening news.

...