Protests have erupted in Iran over rising inflation and currency decline. What started as a strike by shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar quickly spread to several cities, including Karaj, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Demonstrators voiced their frustrations, calling out the government and demanding change.
As protests grew, many students joined in, waving banners and chanting slogans like “Death to the dictator,” clearly aimed at the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Interestingly, some protesters even cheered for Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Pahlavi, currently living in the United States, expressed his solidarity with the protesters via social media, stating, “I am with you. Victory is ours.”
In a move to address the unrest, President Masoud Pezeshkian announced he would speak with protest representatives and accepted the resignation of the central bank governor, Mohammadreza Farzin. This follows comments by the U.S. State Department, which praised the protesters for their bravery in seeking a better future after years of poor governance.
Historically, this unrest relates to a long-standing pattern of dissatisfaction with the Iranian government. Economic struggles are not new; they’ve been exacerbated by sanctions and mismanagement. In a recent survey by the Iranian Statistics Center, over 70% of respondents indicated that they felt the economy was worsening, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Moreover, U.S. officials have suggested that the situation in Iran was a key topic in discussions between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Trump noted Iran’s significant problems, including “tremendous inflation” and a struggling economy. He hinted at possible military action if Iran continued its ballistic missile program.
As nationwide protests continue, they reveal a deep yearning for change among the Iranian people. Whether this unrest will lead to lasting reform remains uncertain, but the voices calling for action are louder than ever.
For further insights, you can explore reports from BBC Persian and Iran’s Statistics Center for a closer look at the ongoing protests and the economic conditions in Iran.
