Thousands of merchants, shopkeepers, and students have taken to the streets across Iran in a wave of protests driven by deepening economic hardship. What began as scattered demonstrations over soaring prices and a collapsing currency has escalated into one of the largest outbreaks of unrest in the past three years — and has already turned deadly in several provinces, according to local media and rights groups.
Major bazaars have shut down, university demonstrations have spread, and daily life has been disrupted as security forces attempt to contain the growing movement.
Economic Pressure Fuels Anger
The protests first erupted after shopkeepers voiced frustration over the sharp decline of the Iranian rial and rising living costs. With inflation officially above 40% and basic expenses climbing rapidly, frustration quickly expanded to students, traders, and residents across multiple cities.
Shops closed, markets went dark, and university campuses saw crowds gathering as demonstrations gained momentum.
Violence in Several Provinces
Tensions escalated into violence in parts of western Iran. Reports indicated multiple clashes between protesters and security forces, including an attack on a police station in Lorestan province that left several people dead and many more injured.
Additional fatalities were reported in cities across Charmahal and Bakhtiari, Kuhdasht, and Isfahan provinces, though accounts between state-linked media and rights groups differed on the exact number and circumstances.
Security authorities also said a member of the Basij paramilitary force was killed, while activists accused security forces of using excessive force against demonstrators.
Arrests Rise, but Protests Continue
Activist groups reported arrests in a number of provinces as authorities increased security presence. Despite detentions and warnings, demonstrations persisted — reflecting widening frustration across different sectors of society.
Leadership Faces Growing Pressure
The unrest comes at a time when Iran’s leadership is already under strain. Economic sanctions, external tensions, and declining purchasing power have intensified public discontent.
Officials have signaled both stronger security measures and limited outreach, saying they plan to hold discussions with merchants’ representatives — while also accusing some demonstrators of exploiting the unrest.
Daily Life Slows as Shops Shut
Merchants and students have continued shutting businesses and boycotting classes. The government even declared a temporary nationwide holiday due to severe winter weather, further slowing activity.
Iran has previously faced repeated protests tied to inflation, water shortages, political grievances, and social restrictions — many of which were met with heavy crackdowns.
With inflation still above 40% and the national currency sharply weaker, many households remain under strain — and the current wave of protests shows few signs of easing.