During recent widespread protests in Iran, sparked by economic hardship and evolving into a movement against the ruling leadership, former President Hassan Rouhani, along with ex-Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, allegedly attempted to seize power from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Sources indicate they sought to sideline Khamenei from decision-making, reportedly receiving support from prominent clerics in the holy city of Qom and elements within the Revolutionary Guard. This alleged coup attempt was thwarted by Ali Larijani, Khamenei's top advisor and head of the National Security Council since August 2025, who is described as a de facto head of state and holds Khamenei's trust. Rouhani and Zarif were reportedly placed under house arrest for several days following the incident, while other participants faced temporary detention. Meanwhile, university protests against the authoritarian regime continued for a third day, with female students at Alsahra University and students at Sharif University of Technology and Amirkabir University of Technology participating in demonstrations.