U.S. News
Iranians Rally Against Regime Amid Economic Collapse
Clear Facts
- Iran experienced four consecutive days of nationwide protests as 2025 ended, driven by economic instability.
- Merchants and university students joined demonstrations, with protestors chanting for freedom and against the regime.
- The Iranian rial has lost more than 56% of its value in six months, causing soaring inflation and food prices to rise by 72% compared to last year.
Tens of thousands protested across Iran at year’s end, continuing unrest fueled by a rapidly deteriorating economy.
Demonstrators gathered on university campuses and in major cities as merchants shuttered stores to participate in the protests.
Protesters could be heard chanting “Freedom” and “death to the dictator.”
The Iranian currency, the rial, recently dropped to 1.42 million per U.S. dollar, marking a drastic decline alongside rising inflation.
Food costs have increased substantially, worsening hardships for Iranian families.
In an attempt to respond, Iran appointed Abdolnasser Hemmati as the new central bank governor after the currency’s sharp fall under previous leadership.
During the 2015 nuclear agreement, the rial was valued at 32,000 to the dollar, which highlights the extent of the collapse.
Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani described the protests as “a natural reaction to economic and livelihood pressure.”
“When people raise their voices it shows the high level of pressure they are under,” she added.
President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the protesters’ “legitimate demands” and held meetings with key economic groups.
These demonstrations are the largest since the 2022 uprising after the death of Mahsa Amini, which was met by harsh government crackdowns.
This week’s chants have included “Women, Life, Freedom.”
President Donald Trump, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated he would support further Israeli military action against Iran if missile or nuclear weapon development continues.
“The missiles, yes. The nuclear, fast,” Trump said. “One would be yes, absolutely, the other was, we’ll do it immediately.”
President Trump also pointed out the ongoing suffering of the Iranian people under inflation and the threat of government violence for protesting.
“Every time they have a rioter or someone forms a group, little or big, they start shooting people. You know, they kill people,” Trump said. “They’re vicious, vicious people.”
Ali Shamkhani, representing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that “any aggression” toward Iran will be met with an “immediate and unimaginable” response.
“In Iran’s defense doctrine, some responses are determined before the threat reaches the execution stage,” he said. “Missile and defensive Iran capabilities are neither containable nor in need of permission.”
Stay informed on how rising tensions in Iran affect regional stability and freedom.
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