Iran Faces Unrest Amid Economic and Political Crisis
On Wednesday, Iran almost ground to a halt as government-ordered shutdowns closed down businesses, universities, and government offices amid escalating protests linked to a deepening political and economic crisis.
Videos shared online by Iran’s People’s Mojahedin Organization (MEK) depict intense confrontations between protestors and security forces in cities like Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Tehran.
Clips show demonstrators shouting anti-regime slogans while clashing with security personnel on busy streets. Protesters could be seen throwing objects and chanting “Death to the dictator,” alongside calls for support for a movement named “Proud Arrakis,” mixed in with gunfire.
In further footage from the MEK, crowds were heard chanting against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with shouts of “Shame, shame!” There appears to be a growing wave of anger, especially notable in the bazaar protests occurring in Tehran.
Some of the most striking scenes arose from Fasa, in south-central Iran, where videos show protesters hurling objects at government building gates, shaking them in an effort to get inside.
According to reports from various sources, protesters have also managed to breach government buildings, resulting in armed responses from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Military helicopters have spotted flying over protest areas, seemingly to intimidate locals and thwart any further unrest.
In Kermanshah, video footage captured traders confronting security personnel, shouting “disgrace, disgrace” in a display of solidarity.
The one-day closure impacted 21 out of Iran’s 31 provinces, including the capital, as President Massoud Pezeshkian aimed to address rising public discontent over inflation, currency instability, and diminishing living conditions.
For the fourth consecutive day, protests and clashes with security forces escalated in various cities across the nation.
Amid the chaos, leadership changes have added to the uncertainty. On Wednesday, President Pezeshkian appointed former Economy Minister Abdulnasser Hemmati as the new governor of the Central Bank of Iran, following the resignation of Mohammad Reza Farzin.
The state media reported that the president recognizes the role is exceptionally challenging and warned that the new central bank head would face substantial pressure in light of the continuing economic crisis.
Separately, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei announced the appointments of new brigadier generals within the Revolutionary Guards, with General Ahmad Vahidi becoming the deputy commander.
