August M
Tensions are rising around Iran as street protests spread beyond major cities and draw international attention. Economic hardship has pushed people onto the streets, while sharp rhetoric from abroad has added a new layer of uncertainty.
The unrest comes as Iran struggles with inflation, currency collapse and long-running pressure from Western sanctions.
Economy fuels anger
According to the Express, demonstrations have erupted across Iran in recent days, driven largely by worsening economic conditions. Experts cited by the outlet say soaring prices and the collapse of the national currency have been key triggers.
Iran’s inflation rate is estimated at around 40%, while the rial has continued to slide. This week, the US dollar was trading at about 1.38 million rials, compared with roughly 430,000 in 2022.
Protesters have also voiced broader political demands, including calls for an end to the rule of Iran’s supreme leader. Videos shared online show crowds chanting: “Shameless! Shameless!”
Deadly escalation
At least six people have been killed in recent days in cities including Lordegan and Azna, according to reports cited by the Express. The deaths mark a sharp escalation as authorities seek to contain public dissent.
While demonstrations appear to have slowed in Tehran, they have expanded into smaller cities and rural areas. Observers describe the unrest as the largest since 2022, when the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked nationwide protests.
Iran’s economy has faced sustained strain since the United States reimposed sanctions in 2018, after withdrawing from the international nuclear agreement during Donald Trump’s first term.
Trump’s warning
Donald Trump entered the debate on Friday, issuing a stark warning to Tehran. Writing on Truth Social, he said the United States would intervene if protesters were violently targeted.
“If Iran [shoots] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” Trump wrote. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”
The comments raised concerns about the risk of further escalation between Washington and Tehran.
Iran pushes back
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has responded forcefully to threats from Washington. On December 30, he wrote on X: “Answer of Islamic Republic of Iran to any cruel aggression will be harsh and discouraging.”
He has also suggested that Iran is already “in a full-scale war with the US, Israel and Europe”, accusing Western powers of seeking to destabilise the country.
The exchange underscores how domestic unrest in Iran is increasingly entangled with broader geopolitical tensions.
Sources: Express
