Protests that began in Iran after the national currency (rial) lost value at a record level have been ongoing for three days.
Modern.az reports that the protests have spread from the capital Tehran to many cities across the country.
The protests, which began against a backdrop of high inflation and the rapid depreciation of the national currency, first came to prominence on December 29 when traders in Tehran's covered bazaar went on strike.
Protests were also held in the cities of Karaj, Hamadan, Qeshm, Malard, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, and Yazd. Footage showed security forces using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
The Iranian government announced its awareness of the protests and stated that it would listen patiently to the protesters. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on the social network X on the evening of December 29, stating that he had instructed the Minister of Interior to hold meetings with the protesters' “representatives” and to take steps for problem resolution and responsible conduct.
On the same day, Pezeshkian accepted the resignation of Mohammadreza Farzin, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran. Abdolnasser Hemmati, the former Minister of Economy and Finance, was appointed in his place.
University students are also reported to have joined the protests. During the demonstrations, anti-government slogans such as “Death to the Dictator,” referring to the religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds supreme authority in the country, were reportedly chanted. Some demonstrators are also said to have chanted “Long live the Shah” slogans, supporting Reza Pahlavi, the son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Reza Pahlavi, residing in the USA, expressed support for the protesters by posting on his X account and stated that Iran's economic situation would further deteriorate as long as the regime remained in power.
The U.S. Department of State also issued a message of support for the protests via its official X account in Persian. The statement emphasized their solidarity with people seeking “a dignified life and a better future” due to years of failed policies and poor economic governance, and commended the courage of the protesters.
It is reported that the recent events in Iran were also one of the main topics of discussion during the meeting held on December 29 in Florida between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump avoided commenting on whether he supported regime change in Iran during the press conference but stated that high inflation and a severe economic situation existed in the country. He also said that the U.S. could support Israeli airstrikes if Iran were to expand its ballistic missile or nuclear program again.
It should be recalled that in June of this year, during a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, the U.S. carried out airstrikes on Iran's main uranium enrichment facilities. Iran, however, insists that its nuclear program is entirely for peaceful purposes.
