Nationwide protests have erupted in Iran, fueled by a severe economic crisis marked by soaring inflation and a plummeting currency, the rial, which has lost nearly half its value against the US dollar since late 2025.
As demonstrations spread rapidly, participants from diverse backgrounds—including shopkeepers, students, and workers—have joined forces, united by their demands for government intervention and economic reform.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly recognized the "legitimate demands" of the protesters and has vowed to take action to protect the purchasing power of citizens facing escalating financial hardship.
In a dramatic turn of events, the protests have reached universities, with students actively participating alongside shopkeepers, signaling a significant mobilization of youth in the struggle for change.
The government has promised to engage in dialogue with protest leaders, yet tensions have escalated, resulting in official threats of a decisive response to maintain national stability amid reports of violence and vandalism.
The unrest is further complicated by the burden of US sanctions and rising geopolitical tensions, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the widespread public dissatisfaction with the current state of the economy.
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