 "Iran protests intensify as public anger over soaring prices and collapsing rial spreads nationwide")
Public anger over rising prices and the sharp fall of Iran’s currency has widened beyond Tehran, with protests and strikes reported in several cities as unrest entered a third day. What began as a commercial dispute in the capital has developed into broader demonstrations reflecting mounting economic pressure.
The protests erupted on Sunday after shopkeepers at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar went on strike when the Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar on the open market. Since then, visuals circulating online have shown demonstrations in Karaj, Hamedan, Qeshm, Malard, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, and Yazd, with police seen using tear gas in efforts to disperse crowds.
The government said it “recognises the protests” and would listen “with patience, even if it is confronted with harsh voices”. President Masoud Pezeshkian said late on Monday that he had instructed the interior minister to hold talks with what he described as “representatives” of the protesters so that steps could be taken “to resolve the problems and act responsibly”.
Pezeshkian also accepted the resignation of Iran’s central bank governor, Mohammadreza Farzin, and appointed former economy and finance minister Abdolnasser Hemmati as his replacement.
Students join demonstrations as reactions widen
University students have joined the protests, chanting anti-government slogans including “Death to the dictator”, a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Some demonstrators were also heard voicing support for the son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, chanting “Long live the Shah”.
In response, Reza Pahlavi, who lives in exile in the United States, wrote on X: “I am with you. Victory is ours because our cause is just and because we are united.” He added, “As long as this regime remains in power, the country’s economic situation will continue to deteriorate.”
The US State Department’s Persian-language account on X also expressed support, saying the US “praises their courage” and stands with those seeking “dignity and a better future” after years of failed policies and economic mismanagement.
Quick Reads
View AllIran was reported to be high on the agenda during talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Monday. At a joint news conference, Trump declined to say whether he supported regime change in Iran but said, “They’ve got a lot of problems: tremendous inflation, their economy is bust, their economy is no good, and I know people aren’t so happy.”
 "Did fireworks on champagne bottles trigger deadly blaze in Swiss ski resort bar?")
 "India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Sharing Treaty expiring in 2026: Will New Delhi renew pact? Talks kick off")
 "Mamdani pledges to usher in 'new era' for New York City in his first address as mayor")
 "China's 'war games' around Taiwan 'unnecessarily' raise tensions: US")
 "Did fireworks on champagne bottles trigger deadly blaze in Swiss ski resort bar?")
 "India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Sharing Treaty expiring in 2026: Will New Delhi renew pact? Talks kick off")
 "Mamdani pledges to usher in 'new era' for New York City in his first address as mayor")
 "China's 'war games' around Taiwan 'unnecessarily' raise tensions: US")
