Iran is witnessing intensifying unrest as economic protests spread nationwide, driven by soaring inflation, collapsing currency value, and growing frustration over living costs affecting households.
The demonstrations began in Tehran when shopkeepers closed businesses, protesting the rapid depreciation of the rial and the immediate impact on prices and commercial stability.
Within days, protests expanded beyond the capital, drawing students, workers, and residents into demonstrations across multiple provinces, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions.
The unrest coincides with a dramatic fall in the rial, which has lost nearly half its value against the dollar during 2025.
Inflation has surged to around fifty percent, sharply reducing purchasing power and making essential goods increasingly unaffordable for many Iranian families.
Food prices, rent, transportation costs, and medical expenses have risen rapidly, intensifying economic pressure and fueling anger among citizens already facing prolonged hardship.
President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the nation amid the turmoil, calling for unity and resilience against what he described as coordinated external economic pressure.
Speaking at a business forum in Tehran, Pezeshkian framed the unrest as part of a broader economic confrontation involving Iran’s international adversaries.
He argued that sanctions and financial restrictions were designed to weaken Iran internally, rather than through direct military confrontation or traditional warfare.
The president stressed that national unity was essential, saying economic pressure could not defeat Iran if citizens remained determined and collectively focused.
Pezeshkian warned against divisions within society, suggesting that internal discord could be exploited by hostile actors seeking to destabilise the country.
Despite calls for unity, protests continued to escalate, with clashes reported between demonstrators and security forces in several cities.
In western Lorestan province, state media reported the death of a 21-year-old Basij paramilitary officer during unrest in the city of Kuhdasht.
Authorities said thirteen other security personnel were injured during the same incident, which they described as involving violent actions by agitators.
Officials claimed those responsible exploited legitimate protests, alleging links to hostile foreign elements, though no independent verification was provided.
No official information was released regarding injuries or fatalities among protesters involved in the Lorestan clashes.
Further unrest was reported in the southern city of Fasa, where protesters attempted to force entry into a local government building.
Authorities said part of the building’s entrance was damaged, three security officers were injured, and four protesters were arrested.
Footage aired on state television showed groups attempting to break through gates before security forces intervened.
Government officials acknowledged that economic grievances were central to the protests, particularly inflation and deteriorating living standards.
Iran’s economy has been under strain for years, but conditions worsened significantly following renewed international sanctions and regional tensions.
The United States reimposed sanctions in 2018 after withdrawing from the nuclear agreement, restricting Iran’s access to global markets.
European powers later moved to reinstate United Nations sanctions, accusing Tehran of failing to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal.
These measures followed military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities, further escalating geopolitical pressure.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and insists its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
The cumulative impact of sanctions has severely limited oil exports, foreign investment, and access to international financial systems.
As revenues declined, the government struggled to stabilise the currency or control inflation, worsening economic insecurity for ordinary citizens.
Students from major universities joined demonstrations, signalling that economic frustration is cutting across social and generational lines.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said authorities would establish a dialogue mechanism to engage with protest leaders.
She emphasised that the government recognises peaceful assembly and intends to listen patiently to citizens’ grievances.
Mohajerani said officials aim to reach mutual understanding and address economic problems affecting society.
However, Iran’s top prosecutor warned that protests crossing into violence or property destruction would face decisive legal responses.
He distinguished between peaceful economic demonstrations and actions he said threatened national security and public order.
The warning echoed previous government responses to unrest, combining conciliatory rhetoric with firm security measures.
Analysts say public confidence in the government’s ability to resolve economic problems is weakening.
Some point to recent remarks by Pezeshkian acknowledging limited capacity to fix the crisis as undermining public trust.
Beyond inflation and currency collapse, Iran faces additional challenges, including energy shortages and an escalating water crisis.
Reservoirs supplying Tehran and other major cities are near critically low levels, heightening pressure on infrastructure and public services.
Observers warn that economic protests can evolve into broader political demands if grievances remain unaddressed.
Iran experienced similar patterns during nationwide protests in 2022 and 2023 following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Those demonstrations resulted in hundreds of deaths, mass arrests, and long-lasting political and social repercussions.
For many Iranians today, immediate concerns remain economic survival, affordability, and uncertainty about the future.
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Whether calls for unity and promises of dialogue can contain the unrest remains uncertain as protests continue unfolding nationwide.
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