Iran’s leadership is trying to put down nationwide protests with sustained force while the U.S. keeps negotiations open under sanctions pressure. Activist groups estimate more than 7,000 people have been killed, including many minors. Security forces remain cohesive and active across the country, but unrest has not fully subsided. The government controls territory, but not sentiment. Sanctions and unrest are now fully intertwined. Oil exports are restricted, banking channels are limited, the currency remains weak, and inflation has…