Escalating Protests in Iran Amid Economic Turmoil

Wed Dec 31 2025 10:43:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Protests erupt across various cities in Iran for the third consecutive day as currency devaluation and inflation trigger civil unrest. Shopkeepers lead the demonstrations, demanding government accountability.

For the third day in a row, protests spread throughout Iran as citizens express their dissatisfaction over rampant inflation and the Iranian rial's significant drop against the US dollar. Initiated by shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar, the unrest has expanded to cities including Isfahan, Shiraz, and Kermanshah, with police responding to demonstrators with tear gas. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the protests and initiated dialogues with protest representatives while making significant governmental changes, including replacing the central bank governor. The protests have featured university students chanting anti-government slogans and calling for significant political change.

Protests and strikes in Iran over inflation and currency devaluation have spread from the capital, Tehran, to several other cities on a third day of unrest.

The protests began on Sunday after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar staged a strike when the Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar on the open market.

Since then, verified videos showed demonstrations in cities like Karaj, Hamedan, and Isfahan, as police attempted to disperse crowds with tear gas.

The Iranian government said it recognises the protests and committed to listen to citizens' concerns.

President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that he instructed the interior minister to engage with protest representatives to resolve ongoing issues. Significant governmental changes occurred, including the resignation of the central bank governor.

Students have joined the protests with chants against the regime, invoking the late Shah's name and garnering attention from exiled opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, who expressed solidarity with the protesters.

The US State Department also voiced support for the demonstrators, praising their courage in the face of economic hardship and calling for better futures.

Furthermore, the protests highlight Iran's ongoing economic challenges, with international figures like US President Trump commenting on the situation in the context of US-Iran relations.

As tensions continue, Pezeshkian vowed Iran's response to aggression would be severe, indicating the government's commitment to maintaining order amid the unrest.