Iran's biggest protests in three years: What's driving unrest

ECONOMIC COLLAPSE AND RISING PRICES PUSH IRANIANS BACK ONTO STREETS

- BY STEPHEN N.R.

Protesters march in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, after the currency's plunge.

(AFP)

Iran is once again facing a moment of deep uncertainty as economic collapse, public anger and regional tensions converge.

In recent days, the country has seen its largest protests in three years, sparked by a sharp fall in the national currency and a steady erosion of living standards.

While the immediate trigger was economic, the unrest reflects broader pressures on the Islamic Republic — from sanctions and political fatigue to the aftershocks of last summer's war with Israel.

The protests began on Sunday after Iran's currency plunged to a record low against the US dollar, sending prices soaring and wiping out purchasing power.

In central Tehran, traders and shopkeepers shut their stores in protest, a powerful signal of economic distress. Demonstrations quickly spread beyond the capital to major cities including Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad, underlining the nationwide scale of the anger.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters chanting anti-government slogans, including "Don't be afraid, we are together" and "Azadi" — the Farsi word for freedom. Footage also showed riot police firing teargas to disperse crowds.

Memories of 2022 protests

The scenes evoked memories of the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, which erupted after the 22-year-old woman died in police custody following her arrest for allegedly violating Iran's dress code.

That earlier protest movement was met with a heavy crackdown, including internet shutdowns and the use of deadly force. This time, however, the government's response has been notably more restrained.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly acknowledged the "legitimate demands" of protesters and instructed officials to listen to grievances.