Iran is currently experiencing widespread protests that began in late December 2025 and have escalated into early 2026. These demonstrations, the largest since the 2022–2023 unrest following Mahsa Amini's death, were initially triggered by a severe economic crisis but have quickly taken on a political dimension.
Economic Triggers
The protests started with shopkeepers and merchants in Tehran's Grand Bazaar striking over the collapse of the Iranian rial, which reached a record low of around 1.5 million rials per U.S. dollar—more than half its value from a year earlier. This devaluation has fueled hyperinflation (over 40% in recent years), soaring food prices, and a sharp decline in living standards. Many Iranians blame longstanding U.S. and Western sanctions, compounded by domestic mismanagement, for eroding the middle class and causing widespread hardship. Additional factors include energy shortages, water crises, and the lingering effects of a 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, during which U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites and military infrastructure.Read more:
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What began as economic strikes in Tehran has spread to dozens of cities, including Isfahan, Lorestan province (e.g., Azna and Kuhdasht), Lordegan, and smaller rural areas. Protesters include merchants, university students, and workers. Demonstrations have involved closed shops, marches, and chants shifting from economic grievances to anti-regime slogans such as "Death to the Dictator" (referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei) and calls for political change. Some have expressed support for exiled figures like Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah.🚨عاجل
— فهد 🇰🇼 ( أخوان مريم ) 🇰🇼 (@fahadddd83) January 2, 2026
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Violence and Casualties
The protests turned deadly by January 1, 2026. State-affiliated media (e.g., Fars and Tasnim) report at least several deaths, including a Basij paramilitary member killed in clashes. Human rights groups and activist organizations claim higher tolls, with reports of security forces using live ammunition, leading to multiple protester deaths in cities like Azna (3 reported killed) and Lordegan (2 reported). Arrests have occurred, with dozens detained for "disrupting public order." Videos show burning objects, gunfire, and confrontations.Read more:
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President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged protesters' "legitimate" grievances, promising reforms like ending subsidized exchange rates and urging unity against "enemies." The government declared holidays and closures in many provinces to curb momentum and has restricted internet access in some areas. Security forces have been deployed, but officials warn against "external interference."ايران 🇮🇷 #قم
— دُنى (@aldunna) January 2, 2026
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International Reactions
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly supported the protesters, warning Iran against killing demonstrators and stating the U.S. is "locked and loaded" for potential intervention. Iranian officials have accused the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating the unrest and threatened retaliation against American forces in the region.The situation remains fluid, with protests entering their sixth day as of January 2. While primarily driven by economic despair, the political undertones raise concerns about a potential broader uprising against the Islamic Republic's leadership. Sources include Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, The New York Times, AP, and The Guardian for balanced reporting.🛜🛜🛜🛜#عاجل | في هذه الليلة المباركة من يوم الجمعة، تندلع مظاهرات عارمة في مدينة قم وحي نارمک العريق بالعاصمة طهران، بالإضافة إلى مناطق أخرى من العاصمة؛ حيث تنتفض الجماهير الآن ضد طغيان واستبداد خامنئي، قاتل الشعوب وجزار الشرق الأوسط. #خامنئی_سيرحل @IranAlhurra #اعتراضات_سراسری… pic.twitter.com/sUWrOd6qFS
— إيران الحرة (@IranAlhurra) January 2, 2026