Iran witnessed its largest wave of protests in nearly three years after the national currency plunged to record lows, deepening economic pressure on households and businesses.
Demonstrations erupted as the Iranian rial slid to around 1.4 million to the US dollar on open markets, fueling fears of worsening inflation, shortages, and further instability.
State media confirmed unrest in several cities, while the government acknowledged growing economic strain.
The protests come at a sensitive time for Iran, already facing renewed sanctions, regional tensions and internal policy challenges.
Currency crisis sparks nationwide unrest
The protests began in Tehran’s main commercial areas, including the Grand Bazaar, where traders and shopkeepers closed their businesses in protest.
Demonstrations quickly spread to other parts of Tehran, including Saadi Street and the Shush district before expanding to major cities such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad and Hamadan.
Witnesses said merchants urged others to shut their shops, while truckers’ unions declared support for the strikes.
In several areas, police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Reports from some locations also alleged the use of live fire, though officials have not confirmed this.
The unrest was triggered by the rapid fall of the rial and rising prices. Official data shows inflation above 42 percent, with food prices up by more than 70 percent year-on-year and health costs rising sharply.
Many Iranians say daily expenses have become unaffordable, while reports of possible tax increases in the new Iranian year have added to public anxiety.
Political tension grows despite official restraint
While state media has framed the protests as economic in nature, some videos shared by opposition-linked outlets showed political slogans, including chants calling for the removal of senior leadership.
These claims have not been acknowledged by Iranian state broadcasters, which continue to downplay any political dimension.
President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered officials to open dialogue with protesters and promised economic reforms.
At the same time the head of Iran’s Central Bank, Mohammad Reza Farzin, resigned amid mounting criticism over the currency’s collapse.
Iran’s rial traded at around 32,000 to the dollar at the time of the 2015 nuclear deal, before sanctions were reimposed after the US withdrawal in 2018.
Recent UN sanctions linked to the snapback mechanism have further restricted Iran’s economy.
Analysts say the protests are the most significant since the 2022 demonstrations triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. With economic pressure intensifying and political trust under strain, observers warn the situation remains volatile and could escalate if relief measures fail to materialize.
