For a third consecutive day, major protests have erupted across Iran, presenting a significant challenge to the government. Demonstrators in multiple cities have clashed with security forces, with reports of street battles and widespread strikes.
The unrest, which began on Sunday, quickly spread from the capital, Tehran, to other major urban centers including Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz. In Tehran, security forces deployed tear gas in areas like Shush Square and faced sustained protests on major streets and commercial districts, where many shopkeepers closed their stores in solidarity.
A key feature of the protests has been the participation of university students. Campuses such as Tehran University and Sharif University of Technology became sites of marches and sit-ins, with students voicing strong opposition to the government.
Protesters' chants have directly targeted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran's system of clerical rule, known as *Velayat-e Faqih*. Slogans like “Death to the dictator” and calls for the system's overthrow have been widely reported.
Economic Drivers
The protests appear to be fueled by a severe economic crisis. The Iranian rial recently fell to a record low against the U.S. dollar, contributing to rampant inflation. Official figures place the inflation rate above 42%, with food prices soaring by 72% over the past year. The protests initially sparked among Tehran's business districts following this sharp currency devaluation.
Official and Opposition Response
Authorities declared a state of emergency in Tehran and several cities, mobilizing security forces, but have struggled to contain the demonstrations. State media has acknowledged the role of opposition groups in rallying protesters.
Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), stated the protests express public anger over economic collapse and systemic corruption. She argued the slogans target the foundational principle of the current system.
International Reaction
The protests have drawn attention from abroad. Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran regarding its nuclear program. Israel's government has openly welcomed the demonstrations, expressing longstanding hope for political change in Iran.
The scale and spread of the current unrest mark one of the most serious domestic challenges to Iran's leadership in recent years.
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