Groups of politicians from across the political spectrum within the Islamic Republic are debating reforms to Iran’s governance system amid the ongoing anti-establishment protests. Yet there are differences in perceptions of possible changes based on partisan stances. Broadly, Reformists are hoping for structural changes, while conservatives are looking at more limited adjustments.

Regardless of their political affiliation, however, all those mulling reforms are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, it is not clear whether they can overcome supporters of the status quo. Nor is it known whether any proposed reforms will satisfy a public that is hungry for fundamental change.

Conservatives’ positions

In September, a 22-year-old woman named Mahsa Jina Amini died after being detained by the morality police—the entity responsible for enforcing the mandatory Islamic dress code, including the hijab for women. Many Iranians subsequently took to the streets to express their anger. Demonstrations at first focused on Amini’s death, the compulsory hijab, and...