Protests Erupt Across Iran Amid Economic Turmoil
Protests in Iran grew on Tuesday following expressions of support for demonstrators from President Donald Trump and other administration officials. In a speech on Monday, Trump highlighted Iran’s severe economic challenges and ongoing public dissatisfaction but did not explicitly call for regime change.
This marked the third consecutive day of demonstrations, which spread beyond the main commercial district in the capital. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an exiled opposition group, reported widespread strikes and student-led protests in Tehran and surrounding cities, including confrontations with security forces and anti-government slogans. Video footage shared by NCRI showed protesters on Jomhouri Street in Tehran clashing with security personnel.
According to Iran International, protests took place at several universities, including the University of Tehran and Sharif University of Technology, which have emerged as significant centers of dissent. Security forces heightened their presence at these locations and enhanced security around offices associated with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The unrest extended from Tehran’s Shush and Moravi districts to major areas in Isfahan and resulted in closures in the Grand Bazaar and gold markets. Incidents of violence emerged, with reports of tear gas being deployed in Tehran and live ammunition used in Hamadan. Demonstrations also unfolded at night from various locations, with vocal crowds chanting “Death to the dictator.”
Trump remarked during a press conference that he wasn’t focusing on regime change but was concerned about Iran’s economic decline and the government’s violent responses to protests. “They face significant inflation; the economy is struggling,” he noted, mentioning that any protests would likely face a harsh regime response.
“Whenever there’s unrest, they start shooting,” Trump stated, emphasizing the brutal tactics used by the regime in suppressing dissent. He expressed longstanding frustration over the growing unrest, which, in part, is attributed to significant drops in the value of the Iranian rial, now reaching alarming lows against the dollar. With ongoing strikes and protests in the Grand Bazaar, reports indicated heavy police deployments and increased clashes with demonstrators.
The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Walz, voiced support for the protestors, stating, “The Iranian people want freedom.” A parallel message from the U.S. government urged the Iranian authorities to acknowledge the fundamental rights of their citizens rather than suppress their voices.
While acknowledging the demonstrations, Iranian officials defended their strategies. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani mentioned that authorities would aim to work with protest leaders to address their demands. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian tasked the interior minister to consider protesters’ “legitimate concerns” and engage in dialogue.
Analysts warned that ongoing unrest signifies deeper, systemic issues. The OSINT research group Special Eurasia highlighted that Iran’s stability has reached a critical point due to the economic collapse, international sanctions, and a resolution to long-standing resource shortages. They suggested that participation from bazaar traders—a traditional regime support base—indicates diminishing confidence in governmental economic management.
NCRI leader Mariam Rajavi pointed out that the protests echo the frustrations of “tens of millions” of citizens fed up with inflation, corruption, and the clerical regime’s rule. However, it’s important to note that these claims can’t be independently verified due to restricted access within Iran.
Cameron Kansarinia, vice-chairman of Iran’s National Union for Democracy, commented on the growing public sentiment shifting against the regime, referencing Trump’s recent statements. He noted the palpable courage demonstrated by protesters and an increase in expressions of support for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during the unrest.
As protests continue, confirmed reports of casualties and arrests remain low. However, the widespread nature of the unrest highlights the mounting pressure on Iran’s leadership amidst escalating economic challenges and widespread public dissent.
