Widespread protests have erupted across Iran over the past week, driven initially by economic grievances and escalating in some cases into broader political dissent. Demonstrations have been reported in Tehran and dozens of cities nationwide, with clashes intensifying in western regions of the country, according to Al Jazeera.
The protests began on December 28 when shopkeepers staged strikes over worsening economic conditions, including soaring inflation and a rapidly depreciating currency. Over the following days, the demonstrations expanded in size and scope, with students, merchants, and residents taking to the streets to voice frustrations not only with economic hardship but also with governance and political leadership.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (H.R.A.N.A.), protest activity has been recorded in at least 174 locations across 60 cities in 25 provinces during the past seven days, indicating that unrest has spread well beyond major urban centers. Demonstrations have taken multiple forms, including labor strikes, street protests, and at least 18 student gatherings at 15 universities, according to H.R.A.N.A.
Amid an intensified security crackdown, human rights groups report numerous casualties and arrests. H.R.A.N.A. confirmed at least 16 deaths linked to the protests, including one member of the security forces, while noting that the true toll may be higher due to restricted information flows and pressure on families. At least 44 protesters were wounded by live ammunition or pellet fire, with dozens more injured during beatings, arrests, or exposure to tear gas, according to Iran International. The group also reported a minimum of 582 arrests over the past week, including a notable number of minors. In the southwestern city of Yasouj alone, at least 81 people were detained, 70 of them were under 18 years old.
Protests in Tehran have been described by semi-official media as “limited,” typically consisting of 50 to 200 young people, while unrest in western Iran has reportedly been more violent. In Malekshahi, a county with a sizeable Kurdish population, clashes resulted in the death of a member of the security forces, according to Iranian media cited by Al Jazeera. According to The Guardian, demonstrators in several cities have reportedly chanted slogans such as “death to the dictator,” reflecting a shift from economic protest to political dissent.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the protests publicly for the first time seven days after they began, focusing on the distinction between what he called “legitimate protest” and “rioting.” While acknowledging economic difficulties, Khamenei accused foreign-backed “enemy mercenaries” of exploiting unrest and called for a firm response to violence, stating that “rioters must be put in their place,” according to Iran International.
The demonstrations are a response to Iran’s deepening economic crisis. The Iranian rial has suffered unprecedented depreciation, falling to 1.42 million to the US dollar, a decline of more than 56 percent in six months. Inflation has surged as a result, with food prices reportedly rising by an average of 72 percent compared with the previous year. According to The Guardian, heavy international sanctions and Iran’s growing reliance on imports have further exacerbated economic pressures.
Many protesters express skepticism toward official outreach efforts despite government calls for dialogue. President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke out, saying the government should listen to protesters’ “legitimate demands.” However, demonstrators and activists interviewed by the Guardian described deep distrust of state institutions and recounted arrests, beatings, and the confiscation of student identification cards during protests.
As unrest continues, the Iranian government must address the protesters’ underlying economic grievances, rather than relying primarily on repression to restore order. If they fail to do so, the situation could escalate further. Human rights organizations have cautioned that the combination of economic collapse, widespread arrests, and lethal force will deepen public anger rather than contain it.
