Protests are erupting across dozens of cities in Iran as the country experiences the worst unrest it has seen since 2022 due to an economic meltdown. The protests were originally the result of merchants’ strikes in Tehran; however, they have developed into a national protest movement, which combines economic issues and protests against the political system. The Iranian Rial is plummeting to all-time lows — approximately 1.4 million Rials per U.S. dollar — compared to approximately 55,000 Rials per U.S. dollar in 2018.
Inflation means unattainable basic necessities for Iranians
Inflation is over 40 percent; consequently, basic needs such as food and medicine are unattainable for millions of people in Iran. As the economy continues to deteriorate, the loss of faith among the public has turned frustrations into pleas for systemic change. Every area of the economy, from housing to healthcare, is being severely impacted by the collapse.
The impact of the strikes in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar
Strikes in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar quickly inspired similar action in electronics and cell phone stores. Early in January, protests broke out in over 70 cities and 26 provinces, including Mashhad, Shiraz, Karaj, and Tabriz. Students at 17 universities also took part in the protests, holding sit-in protests and chanting anti-government slogans. Protests are not limited to calling for economic aid; protesters are demanding that the government implement changes in the political system as well, and chants such as “Death to the Dictator” and “Mullahs Must Leave” are being heard in public squares throughout the country (Iran International).
Strikes in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar quickly inspired similar action in electronics and cell phone stores. Early in January, protests broke out in over 70 cities and 26 provinces, including Mashhad, Shiraz, Karaj, and Tabriz.
The brute force of the Iranian security forces has caused devastation for citizens
Security forces have reacted to the protests using tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. A minimum of 20 civilians and one member of the security force have been killed and dozens injured.
Students at 17 universities also took part in the protests, holding sit-in protests and chanting anti-government slogans. Protests are not limited to calling for economic aid; protesters are demanding that the government implement changes in the political system as well, and chants such as “Death to the Dictator” and “Mullahs Must Leave” are being heard in public squares throughout the country (Iran International).
The deadliest violence has occurred in the Ilam and Lorestan provinces
Protesters attacked police stations and government offices in these provinces and there are reports that authorities are deploying elite units to contain the unrest; however, the protesters continue to resist.
President Masoud Pezeshkian made announcements to stabilize the currency through eliminating preferential exchange rates and reinstating former Central Bank Chief Abdolnaser Hemmati. However, the measures have failed to calm the anger of the public.
The tone of the protests now calls for a regime change in Iran
While announcing economic aid to protesters, authorities have restricted access to the Internet and arrested hundreds of protesters in what appears to be a dual effort to offer concessions to calm the protesters and to suppress dissent.
Although economic conditions ignited the protests, the tone of the protests has transitioned into calls for regime change. Experts are warning that this movement differs from previous movements in that it is comprised of both economic despair and political defiance, creating a volatile combination that may threaten the clerical establishment’s control of the nation.
As long as inflation continues to rise and the value of the Rial continues to fall, experts are predicting that the unrest will continue. It is unclear whether government reforms will alleviate the unrest or simply put off a deeper crisis. Regardless, Iran stands at a crossroads and faces its largest challenge in years as the collapse of its economy fuels demands for major change.
