The ruling theocracy in Iran has survived decades of sanctions and diplomacy, as well as two major wars in the past 15 months. The question facing Washington is no longer simply how much additional pressure can be applied to Tehran — it is whether external pressure alone can produce political change. Or is there an Iranian element, a ground game capable of turning public discontent into sustained political action?

The question is more imperative as it looks like the Iran conflict is on the cusp of turning into a new phase.