Stories No One is Talking About: Protests, Turmoil in Iran is So Great it Threatens the Iranian Regime

Tehran, December 30, 2025 – Iran has experienced three consecutive days of protests and strikes, primarily in Tehran but spreading to multiple cities, triggered by a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and high inflation. The unrest, described as the largest since the 2022-2023 "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, began on December 28 with merchant strikes and evolved into broader demonstrations involving students and residents.

Triggers and Economic Context

The protests erupted amid a severe currency crisis, with the rial reaching record lows against the US dollar. Reports indicate rates exceeding 1.4 million rials per dollar in the open market during late December, contributing to soaring prices for food and essentials. Official inflation stood at approximately 42% in December 2025, exacerbating living costs amid ongoing sanctions, reduced oil revenues, and post-conflict economic strains following Iran's brief 2025 war with Israel.

Shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar and commercial districts, including areas around Alaeddin and Charsou malls, initiated strikes by closing businesses on December 28. This action quickly spread, paralyzing key economic hubs and signaling widespread frustration with mismanagement.

Spread and Nature of ProtestsBy December 29-30, demonstrations expanded to cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Hamadan, Qeshm, and Zanjan. University students from institutions including Tehran University, Sharif University, and Amirkabir University joined on December 30, marching and confronting security forces.Verified footage and reports show crowds chanting slogans like "Death to the dictator," "Don't be afraid, we are all together," and "Azadi" (freedom). Some videos captured pro-monarchy chants referencing Reza Shah or Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, reflecting calls for secular governance and rejection of the current system.

Stories No One is Talking About: Protests, Turmoil in Iran is So Great it Threatens the Iranian Regime

Other slogans criticized foreign proxy involvements, prioritizing domestic issues.Security forces responded with tear gas and batons in several locations, including Tehran's Jomhouri Street and Hamadan. Clashes were reported, but overall restraint has been noted compared to past crackdowns, possibly to avoid further escalation.Government ResponsePresident Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged protesters' "legitimate demands," instructing officials to engage in dialogue and address livelihoods. The central bank governor resigned amid the crisis, with a successor appointed.

State media described events as economic protests while warning against escalation into "riots."Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi publicly supported the demonstrations, urging nationwide strikes and unity.

Scale and OutlookAnalysts view the involvement of bazaar merchants-historically influential-and students as significant, blending economic grievances with political demands. While protests remain decentralized, their rapid spread across provinces indicates deepening discontent. No official casualty figures have been released, and the situation continues to evolve.

Sources: Reuters, BBC, The Guardian, AP News, Institute for the Study of War, Wikipedia (2025 Iranian protests entry), and verified social media footage.