The Breakdown 32

• A wave of protests has swept across Iran, ignited by mounting economic frustrations, with demonstrators venting their anger over skyrocketing prices and the plunging value of the rial currency, which has hit a historic low.
• The Grand Bazaar, a vital hub of Iranian commerce and political life, has become the epicenter of unrest, where at least 36 people have tragically lost their lives in clashes with security forces.
• In a stark show of authority, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged the protesters' economic grievances as legitimate but warned against "rioters," suggesting a looming crackdown on dissent.
• Former President Trump has weighed in, threatening Iran and expressing potential support for the protesters, thereby intertwining U.S. interests with the unfolding crisis.
• The protests are notable for their leaderless nature; chants have evolved from economic discontent to broader political demands, reflecting a burgeoning desire for systemic change among Iranians.
• As students and shopkeepers unite in their calls for reform, the unrest signals a pivotal moment in Iran's socio-political landscape, attracting significant global attention and raising questions about the regime's future.