Iran has seen one of its largest anti-government protest waves in recent years, with unrest spreading from Tehran to several provinces. The demonstrations were driven by the collapse of the rial, surging consumer prices, and long-standing political repression. What began last month with organized protests by Tehran bazaar merchants and university students has now grown into a nationwide challenge to the authorities.
Price shock hit basic goods after exchange-rate policy change
A major turning point came after Iran’s central bank scrapped a preferential U.S. dollar exchange-rate policy for some importers. That decision raised the cost of obtaining foreign currency, and merchants passed those costs on quickly. Prices for essentials such as cooking oil and chicken jumped sharply overnight, with some goods reportedly repriced by the hour. Many shopkeepers shut their stores in protest rather than absorb the losses. The report said even bazaar traders, a group traditionally seen as supportive of the system, have joined the unrest.
One Tehran resident said in an interview that this protest wave felt different from past episodes. In that account, purchasing power had “completely collapsed,” leaving many unable to afford basic items and deepening public fear and anxiety.
Street clashes intensified in multiple cities
According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, or HRANA, protests triggered by economic grievances have turned into an anti-establishment uprising. The group said at least 34 protesters and 4 security personnel have been killed so far, while more than 2,200 protesters have been arrested.
Verified CNN footage showed severe confrontations in several areas. In Tehran, protesters burned debris to block traffic and faced off with security forces. In Mashhad, the hometown of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, demonstrators were seen lowering and tearing the Iranian flag. In Mazandaran province, crowds gathered in a public square chanting that Khamenei was about to fall. In Golestan province, footage showed a government office complex engulfed in flames.
Internet shutdown and phone disruptions followed by opposition call
Iranian authorities moved last night to impose a large-scale internet shutdown and cut telephone lines, according to the report. A network monitoring organization said communications were disrupted in multiple parts of the country, raising concern that a broader crackdown could follow. State media sought to play down the unrest, but circulating videos suggested public anger remained intense.
At the same time, exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former king, issued a public call on social media urging people to unite and launch a nationwide uprising. He also encouraged supporters to keep taking to the streets. The report said some demonstrators had begun chanting, “This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return.”
Trump warning and a monthly cash subsidy of about $7
International attention has focused on the situation as the unrest deepens. U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that if Iranian security forces use violence to kill protesters, the United States would respond forcefully and could even launch an attack.
Under mounting pressure, the Iranian government proposed a monthly cash subsidy of about $7 in an attempt to ease public anger. The report added that officials acknowledged such limited payments would not solve the country’s deeper structural economic crisis.