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Anti-government protests in Iran have intensified amid a deepening economic crisis, soaring inflation and a collapsing currency. Demonstrations that began in Tehran have spread across multiple provinces, with markets shut and streets witnessing clashes.
Economic Crisis Sparks Deadly Protests Across Iran
Tehran: Protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are becoming increasingly violent in Iran. These protests, which began on December 28th, have now escalated into a nationwide movement. Rising inflation, a falling currency, and a deepening economic crisis have fueled widespread anger among the public, especially the youth. People are taking to the streets, chanting anti-government slogans, and violent clashes have erupted in several places.
According to the US-based human rights organization Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), protests have been reported in 113 locations across 46 cities in 22 Iranian provinces. Markets are closed in major cities like Mashhad, Tehran, Zahedan, Qazvin, and Hamadan, and large crowds have gathered on the streets. At least eight protesters have died so far, while dozens have been arrested.
Amidst these protests, US President Donald Trump's statement has further heated up the situation. Trump warned that the US would take action if the Iranian government opened fire on peaceful protesters. His statement further galvanized Iran's Gen Z, who are openly expressing their support through social media.
Iranian human rights activist Masih Alinejad launched a scathing attack on President Masoud Pezeshkian. She said the government is covering up the bloodshed and masquerading as reform and repression. Alinejad's comments are rapidly going viral on social media.
Protests continued overnight in Tehran's Najiabad, Sattarkhan, Narmak, and Tehranpars areas. The city of Ajna in Lorestan province witnessed the most violence, with arson and gunfire being heard. Police used tear gas in several areas and detained several people for damaging government buildings.
Iran's currency, the rial, has reached a record low—about 1.42 million rials to the dollar. Inflation exceeded 42 percent in December, while food prices increased by more than 70 percent annually. This economic crisis has forced the public to take to the streets, and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming days.
