Widespread Protests Grip Iran as Inflation and Currency Collapse Deepen Economic Strain

Protests over mounting economic hardship have swept Iran for more than a week, drawing traders, merchants and university students into the streets of major cities, including Tehran. Observers say they are the largest demonstrations since 2022, though not as intense as those that followed the death of Mahsa Amini.

Merchants and households have been hurt by a steep fall in Iran's currency and soaring prices. The currency lost roughly half its value against the dollar in 2025 and official figures showed inflation exceeding 42 percent in December. Demonstrations have spread widely: Human Rights Activists News Agency reported protests in more than 100 locations across 22 of Iran's 31 provinces.

Many marketplaces were shuttered and campuses saw demonstrations, and authorities effectively shut down much of the country on Wednesday. Clashes between protesters and security forces were reported in several cities. State media said at least one person was killed and identified him as a 21-year-old militia member; a rights group said he had been among the protesters.

Semiofficial outlets and a human rights organization reported clashes and fatalities in the western city of Lordegan. Security forces have used tear gas and paintball pellets against demonstrators, and witnesses described a tense atmosphere. A 20-year-old shopkeeper in Alborz who gave only her first name, Asal, said she continued to attend protests despite the weapons fired at crowds.

Key Topics

World, Iran, Tehran, Ali Khamenei, Masoud Pezeshkian, Abdolnaser Hemmati