Iran is witnessing its most severe wave of unrest since 2022 as protests over soaring inflation and the collapse of the national currency continue to spread across multiple cities, prompting a hardline warning from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Speaking on state television on Saturday, Khamenei drew a distinction between peaceful protesters and what he described as “rioters,” stating that while officials should engage with citizens raising economic grievances, those involved in violence “must be put in their place.” He reiterated claims that foreign actors, particularly the United States and Israel, were exploiting the unrest, without providing evidence.
The protests, now in their sixth day, were triggered by another sharp fall in the value of the Iranian rial, which has lost nearly half its value against the US dollar over the past year. Demonstrations by shopkeepers, traders, and university students have forced the closure of major bazaars and campuses in cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Lordegan, Kuhdasht, and Azna.
According to Iranian media and rights groups, at least 10 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, with dozens more injured or detained. Fatal incidents have been reported in western and central provinces, though authorities have not consistently clarified whether the victims were demonstrators or security personnel.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed officials to listen to what he termed the “legitimate demands” of protesters, signaling limited openness to dialogue. However, senior officials, including Iran’s prosecutor general, have warned that any attempt to destabilize the country would face a “decisive response.”
International tensions have also escalated. US President Donald Trump said Washington would support peaceful protesters if force was used against them, drawing sharp condemnation from Tehran. Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani accused the US of unlawful interference and urged the UN Security Council to condemn Trump’s remarks. The United Nations, meanwhile, has called on Iranian authorities to respect freedom of expression and avoid excessive use of force.
Analysts warn that without meaningful economic relief or credible political engagement, Iran’s unrest could deepen further, potentially destabilizing an already volatile region.
Iran Gripped by Deadliest Protests in Three Years as Currency Crisis Deepens
Iran is witnessing its most severe wave of unrest since 2022 as protests over soaring inflation and the collapse of the national currency continue to spread across multiple cities, prompting a hardline warning from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Speaking on state television on Saturday, Khamenei drew a distinction between peaceful protesters and what he described as “rioters,” stating that while officials should engage with citizens raising economic grievances, those involved in violence “must be put in their place.” He reiterated claims that foreign actors, particularly the United States and Israel, were exploiting the unrest, without providing evidence.
The protests, now in their sixth day, were triggered by another sharp fall in the value of the Iranian rial, which has lost nearly half its value against the US dollar over the past year. Demonstrations by shopkeepers, traders, and university students have forced the closure of major bazaars and campuses in cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Lordegan, Kuhdasht, and Azna.
According to Iranian media and rights groups, at least 10 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, with dozens more injured or detained. Fatal incidents have been reported in western and central provinces, though authorities have not consistently clarified whether the victims were demonstrators or security personnel.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed officials to listen to what he termed the “legitimate demands” of protesters, signaling limited openness to dialogue. However, senior officials, including Iran’s prosecutor general, have warned that any attempt to destabilize the country would face a “decisive response.”
International tensions have also escalated. US President Donald Trump said Washington would support peaceful protesters if force was used against them, drawing sharp condemnation from Tehran. Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani accused the US of unlawful interference and urged the UN Security Council to condemn Trump’s remarks. The United Nations, meanwhile, has called on Iranian authorities to respect freedom of expression and avoid excessive use of force.
Analysts warn that without meaningful economic relief or credible political engagement, Iran’s unrest could deepen further, potentially destabilizing an already volatile region.
News Desk