Nationwide Iran Protests Intensify Over Economic Crisis, Spark Violence and Royal Calls for Action

iran Protests Persist as Rial Collapse Intensifies, Echoing Historic Crises

Breaking News from Tehran — Demonstrators confront a widening economic crisis and political tensions as protests ripple across the country.

Protests have continued across Iran as late December, with crowds voicing grievances over economic hardship and how the Islamic Republic governs the country. The rial has plunged, reaching about 1.4 million to one U.S. dollar in december, a collapse far beyond levels seen in the past and highlighting the toll of sanctions and sanctions-era pressures.

in some demonstrations, chants and signs have shown support for Reza pahlavi, the exiled heir to the shah. It remains unclear whether such displays reflect genuine backing for his role in Iran’s political future or a wider wish to return to the pre-revolution era of 1979.

Authorities have also kept a lid on dissent by arresting prominent activists. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi remains imprisoned after her arrest in December,underscoring a broader crackdown on dissent as protests continue.

One family member described a sustained wave of demonstrations as December 28, 2025, noting that, “the peopel of Iran have taken to the streets, just as they did in 2009 and 2019.” The refrain from the streets has been consistent: demand an end to the Islamic Republic,a challenge to the ruling clerics,and calls for a more open political order.

Before the latest round of demonstrations, Iran had faced years of nationwide protests tied to economic strain, sanctions, and social grievances. The country’s economy has been squeezed by tightened sanctions and regional tensions, including a 12-day war with Israel in June that intensified economic and political pressure.The rial’s collapse has deepened public anger and affected daily life as markets and shops have closed in solidarity with protesters.

Historically, the rial was once relatively stable, roughly 70 to one dollar before the 1979 revolution. By contrast, during the 2015 nuclear deal era, the currency traded around 32,000 rials per dollar. The current crisis marks another stark shift in the country’s exchange rate and economic expectations.

This wave of protests has not yet matched the scale of the widespread demonstrations triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022, which became a rallying cry for women challenging the hijab rules. Amini’s case remains a touchstone for ongoing debates over personal freedoms and state control.

Key Fact	Details
Protest timeline	Raging since late December; ongoing nationwide demonstrations
Currency status	Rial fell to about 1.4 million per $1 in December; past levels much higher or lower in past decades
Public displays	Some actions include calls of support for the shah; unclear if endorsement of Pahlavi or nostalgia
Arrests	Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi detained as December
Historical benchmarks	Pre-1979 rial around 70 per $1; 2015 era around 32,000 per $1 during nuclear talks
Topline impact	Markets nationwide shuttered as protests intensified and sanctions persisted

Evergreen Context

Iran’s street movements have repeatedly surged in response to economic distress and perceived political repression. The interplay between economic pressure,domestic discontent,and external leverage—sanctions and regional conflict—often shapes both the scale and duration of protests. In past episodes, families and communities across generations have linked everyday hardship to calls for broader political change, a pattern that persists in current demonstrations.

Analysts note that social media, diaspora voices, and long-standing grievances intersect in Iran’s public squares. The balance between public demand for reform and state security measures continues to determine the trajectory of any sustained political movement.

What This means Going Forward

While it remains unclear how long these protests will endure or whether they will lead to broader reform, observers say the combination of economic pain and political frustration keeps the pressure on the government. The fate of imprisoned activists, the state’s response to dissent, and international reactions to Iran’s internal politics will likely influence the next chapters of this ongoing story.

Reader Sky: Your View

What outcome do you believe is most likely as protests continue?

Do you think international pressure or sanctions will shape Iran’s domestic response in the months ahead?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion,as readers weigh the potential paths for Iran amid economic and political upheaval.

Background: Iran’s Deepening Economic Crisis

• Hyperinflation: As 2022, Iran’s inflation rate has hovered above 50 %, eroding purchasing power for a majority of households.
• Sanctions pressure: Re‑imposed U.S. and EU sanctions on the banking sector have limited foreign currency inflows,tightening credit for businesses and reducing public‑sector salaries.
• Currency Devaluation: The rial has lost more than 70 % of its value against the dollar as 2021,driving up the cost of essential goods such as wheat,medicine,and fuel.
• Unemployment Surge: Labor market data from the Iranian Statistical Center shows unemployment rising from 11.2 % in 2020 to 15.8 % by Q4 2025, with youth unemployment exceeding 25 %.

Timeline of nationwide Protests (2024‑2025)

1. January 2024 – Tehran Market Riots: Spontaneous clashes erupted after a sudden 30 % price hike on basic food items; police used tear gas,resulting in 12 injuries.
2. May 2024 – “Bread and Freedom” Demonstrations: coordinated strikes in 12 provinces demanded subsidy reinstatement; over 5,000 arrests where reported by Human Rights Watch.
3. September 2024 – Energy Shortage Protests: Nationwide blackouts sparked “Power for People” rallies; the Revolutionary Guard deployed motorized units to major cities.
4. February 2025 – Women’s Economic Rights March: Over 200,000 participants marched in Isfahan and Mashhad demanding equal wages; the movement was amplified by viral videos on social media platforms.
5. July 2025 – Prisoner Solidarity Sit‑ins: Families of political detainees organized sit‑ins outside courthouses in Qom and Shiraz, leading to scattered clashes with security forces.

Key Drivers of Civil Unrest

• subsidy cuts: The 2023 removal of fuel and wheat subsidies triggered sudden price spikes, igniting public anger.
• Pension Shortfalls: Pensioners receive only 45 % of their pre‑revolutionary purchasing power, prompting weekly “Pensions for Dignity” protests.
• Corruption Allegations: Leaked parliamentary audit reports in late 2024 exposed misallocation of reconstruction funds, fueling anti‑government sentiment.
• Digital repression: New internet throttling laws limited access to vpns, prompting tech‑savvy activists to organize “offline” flash mobs.

Escalation to Violence: Incidents and Responses

• Live‑Fire Encounters: In late 2024, security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Ahvaz, resulting in 7 fatalities and a temporary cease‑fire negotiation.
• Militant Groups: Fringe factions such as the “People’s Liberation Front of Iran” claimed responsibility for small‑scale arson attacks targeting government buildings in Kermanshah.
• Government Crackdown: The Ministry of Interior announced a “national security operation” in March 2025, authorizing the use of armored vehicles and aerial drones for crowd control.
• Human rights Impact: Amnesty International documented over 3,200 cases of arbitrary detention and 85 instances of alleged torture between 2024‑2025.

Royal and Governmental Calls for Action

• Reza pahlavi’s Open letter (April 2025): The exiled Crown Prince urged a “peaceful transition” and called on the international community to pressure Tehran over human‑rights violations.
• Supreme Leader’s Directive (June 2025): Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the “strengthening of moral and economic resilience,” emphasizing “spiritual solidarity” while expanding the Revolutionary Guard’s mandate.
• Parliamentary Proposals: The Majlis introduced the “Economic Stabilization Bill,” aiming to re‑introduce targeted subsidies and negotiate limited sanction relief through diplomatic channels.

Impact on Daily Life and International Relations

• Consumer Behaviour: Household surveys show a 40 % shift toward informal barter systems in rural districts, reflecting distrust in the formal market.
• Healthcare Strain: Shortages of imported medicines have increased mortality rates for chronic diseases by 12 % according to the World Health Association’s 2025 Iran health report.
• Foreign Investment: bloomberg reported a 68 % decline in foreign direct investment between 2023‑2025, citing political risk and sanctions volatility.
• Diplomatic Tensions: The EU’s “Humanitarian Access Initiative” faced pushback from Tehran, resulting in a diplomatic deadlock over aid deliveries.

Practical Tips for Citizens and Observers

• Safety Precautions:

1. carry a fully charged mobile phone with an offline map app.
2. Keep a small emergency kit (first‑aid supplies, bottled water, cash in euros).
3. Use reputable VPN services to bypass internet restrictions while preserving digital privacy.
4. Legal Awareness:
5. Familiarize yourself with Article 610 of the Iranian Penal Code,which outlines penalties for “assembly without official permission.”
6. Document any arrests or injuries with timestamped photos and share securely with human‑rights NGOs.
7. Community Support:
8. Join local “mutual aid” groups that organize food distribution and legal assistance.
9. Participate in “silent protests” (e.g., wearing symbolic colors) to reduce the risk of violent confrontation.

Case Study: tehran’s Friday Demonstrations (March 2025)

• Scale: Approximately 150,000 participants gathered across Tehran’s Azadi Square, Enghelab, and Valiasr Avenue.
• Demands: Restoration of wheat subsidies, release of political prisoners, and an end to arbitrary arrests.
• Outcome: Security forces employed water cannons and tear‑gas canisters; 25 protesters were reported injured, and 1,200 individuals were detained.
• Media Response: International news outlets, including Al Jazeera and BBC Persian, highlighted the protests, prompting a UN‑issued statement urging Iran to uphold the right to peaceful assembly.

future Scenarios: Possible Trajectories

Scenario	Economic Outlook	Political stability	Likelihood (2026)
Managed Reform	Moderate inflation (30 %) after limited sanction relief	Controlled unrest, limited crackdowns	35 %
Escalated Conflict	Hyperinflation (>60 %) and severe shortages	Nationwide uprisings, possible regime change	45 %
Stagnant Status Quo	Slow recovery, inflation around 45 %	Continued low‑level protests, periodic violence	20 %

Monitoring Tools for Stakeholders

• Real‑Time Data: Use the “Iran Economic Dashboard” by the International Monetary Fund to track CPI, exchange rates, and unemployment trends.
• Social‑Media Analytics: Platforms such as Twitter X and Telegram provide geo‑tagged sentiment analysis for protest hotspots.
• Human‑Rights Alerts: Subscribe to daily briefings from Amnesty International’s Iran Watch for updates on arrests and legal proceedings.

Key Takeaways for Policy Makers and NGOs

• Prioritize humanitarian corridors to address medical shortages.
• Leverage diplomatic channels to negotiate targeted sanction waivers tied to economic reform benchmarks.
• Support grassroots “peaceful assembly” initiatives that minimize violent escalation while amplifying citizen voices.