Widespread protests have shaken Iran, sparked by a severe economic crisis and the collapse of the national currency. Demonstrations, including a significant sit-in at Tehran's historic Grand Bazaar, have been met with a forceful security response, resulting in numerous casualties and arrests.
Clashes and Casualties in Tehran and Beyond
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, the unrest has led to at least 36 deaths and the detention of over 1,200 individuals. Eyewitness footage from the capital shows scenes of chaos, with vehicles set ablaze as security forces deployed tear gas to disperse crowds. The confrontations mark a significant escalation in public dissent against the government's handling of the economy.
Economic Freefall Fuels Public Anger
The protests are a direct reaction to a deepening financial catastrophe. Iran's currency, the rial, has plummeted to a record low, devastating savings and purchasing power. The situation is expected to worsen following a decision by the Central Bank of Iran to reduce subsidised exchange rates, a move analysts warn will trigger further price hikes for essential goods and services for ordinary consumers.
International Reactions and Domestic Pressure
The crisis has drawn sharp comments from both domestic and international leaders. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that "rioters must be put in their place," signalling little tolerance for the demonstrations. From abroad, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning, suggesting potential intervention if protesters were violently killed.
Domestically, President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered an investigation into a specific incident related to the protests. However, in a telling admission, he acknowledged the government's limited capacity to control the rapidly escalating crisis, highlighting the profound challenges facing the administration.
The protests, erupting on Wednesday 07 January 2026, underscore the potent mix of economic despair and political frustration currently gripping the nation. The world watches as Iran navigates one of its most turbulent periods in recent years.
