Renewed Protests Erupt in Iran Amid Economic Crisis and Discontent

Since December 28, widespread protests have erupted across Iran, fueled by dire economic conditions and exacerbated by government repression. The ability for journalists to operate independently in Iran is severely restricted, making it challenging to gather accurate information. However, numerous videos circulating on social media have displayed vast gatherings in various cities, accompanied by clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The Iranian regime has historically attempted to downplay the scale of protests, portraying them as minor incidents despite the substantial evidence suggesting otherwise. The BBC Verify team, along with the Persian editorial staff, has scrutinized and confirmed dozens of these videos, revealing that, eleven days after the onset of protests, at least 17 out of 31 provinces were participating, including areas typically known for their support of the Islamic Republic, like Qom and Mashhad. This figure does not capture the full extent of dissent, as many locations have likely been involved but have not yet been documented. These recent protests are marked as the most significant since those inspired by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022, which ignited a nationwide uproar after her arrest for an alleged veil violation. Initially sparked by merchant grievances in Tehran over currency depreciation and rampant inflation, which has made essential goods unaffordable for many, the protests quickly expanded to involve universities and wider sectors of society. Chants captured in verified BBC footage, including cries of 'death to the dictator,' aimed at Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s Supreme Leader, suggest that the motivations behind these protests extend well beyond merely economic discontent. A rare photograph of the protests from Tehran was captured on December 29, 2026, by the Fars News Agency. In response to the protests, the regime's reaction appears to have oscillated between attempting to appear conciliatory and resorting to violent suppression. Recent estimates indicate that over a thousand individuals have been arrested, and at least 35 people have been killed, though actual numbers may be higher. Confirmed incidents by international news outlets include security forces arresting demonstrators at a hospital in Ilam, where those injured during the protests were receiving treatment, further illustrating the regime's aggressive stance. In a recent speech, Khamenei legitimized the security forces' crackdown, labeling demonstrators as 'rebels' that needed to be subdued. Concurrently, the state-controlled media is attempting to minimize the protests' significance. On Tuesday, the Fars News Agency claimed that the protests had diminished and were under control, while the ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper attributed them to a fabricated enemy conspiracy, asserting that it had been neutralized thanks to the resolve of the Grand Bazaar merchants and citizens. The Grand Bazaar in Tehran is recognized as the starting point of the recent protests. Reports from Iran International, an opposition television network operating outside the country, indicate that protests are still ongoing in numerous cities. The central focus remains on Tehran's Grand Bazaar, but demonstrations have been recorded in over ninety locations nationwide. Support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled heir to Iran's monarchy prior to the 1979 revolution, is also heard among some demonstrators. Pahlavi himself released a statement affirming his backing for the protesters. While the current protests have yet to match the scale of those from 2022, they emerge at a particularly vulnerable moment for the Islamic Republic. The fallout from last summer’s brief conflict with Israel, which weakened Iran's defense capabilities alongside the diplomatic shifts in Syria and Venezuela, indicates a loss of regional influence for the regime. Additionally, the increasing internal repression suggests the government is bracing for instability. Statements from US President Donald Trump also added an international dimension to the protests, where he mentioned potential intervention in support of Iranian demonstrators, signaling global interest in the developments within Iran. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2