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Unrest spreads across Iran as economic discontent grows
Demonstrations over soaring inflation and the plummeting rial have entered a third day, reaching multiple cities beyond the capital, Tehran. Authorities have responded with force in some areas, while the government signals willingness to engage with protesters.
Protests erupt after currency collapse
The unrest began on Sunday when merchants in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shuttered their shops in protest after the Iranian rial plunged to a historic low against the US dollar in unofficial markets. What started as a localized strike has since escalated into broader demonstrations.
Videos verified by BBC Persian show crowds gathering in at least eight other cities, including Karaj, Hamedan, Qeshm, Malard, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, and Yazd. In some locations, security forces deployed tear gas to disperse protesters.
Government acknowledges grievances, replaces central bank chief
In a rare acknowledgment of public anger, the Iranian government said it "recognizes the protests" and would listen "with patience, even to harsh voices." President Masoud Pezeshkian announced late Monday that he had directed the interior minister to meet with "representatives" of the demonstrators to address their concerns.
Pezeshkian also accepted the resignation of central bank governor Mohammadreza Farzin, appointing former economy minister Abdolnasser Hemmati as his replacement. The move follows widespread criticism of the government's handling of the economic crisis.
Students join protests, anti-government chants intensify
University students have joined the demonstrations, amplifying calls for change. Videos circulating online capture crowds chanting "Death to the dictator," a direct challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority in Iran.
Some protesters also voiced support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last monarch, ousted in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Pahlavi, who lives in the U.S., responded on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "I am with you. Victory is ours because our cause is just and because we are united." He added that Iran's economic decline would persist "as long as this regime remains in power."
International reactions and geopolitical tensions
The U.S. State Department's Persian-language account on X expressed solidarity with the protesters, praising their "courage" and affirming support for those seeking "dignity and a better future" after years of "failed policies and economic mismanagement."
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to explicitly endorse regime change in Iran but noted the country's "tremendous inflation" and "bust" economy. Trump also suggested he might support further Israeli airstrikes if Iran revived its ballistic missile or nuclear programs.
Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, insisting its program is peaceful. President Pezeshkian warned on Tuesday that any "oppressive act of aggression" against Iran would be met with a "severe and regret-inducing" response.
Supreme Leader Khamenei had previously accused Israel of hoping to spark unrest in Iran during the June conflict between the two nations. "They wanted to create sedition on the streets... But people were absolutely not influenced by what the enemy wanted," he said in September.
Economic crisis fuels public anger
The protests reflect deepening frustration over Iran's economic struggles, including runaway inflation and a currency crisis. The rial's sharp devaluation has eroded purchasing power, hitting businesses and households alike. While the government has pledged to address the issues, many Iranians remain skeptical of its ability to deliver meaningful reforms.
