Key points
- Unrest smaller than previous nationwide uprisings
- Leadership acknowledges economic strain
- External tensions heighten political uncertainty
ISLAMABAD: Iranian authorities are grappling with simultaneous domestic unrest and heightened regional tensions. Protests have spread across several Iranian cities over the past week, driven largely by economic pressures, including inflation, currency depreciation, and rising living costs.
The demonstrations began last week with shop closures in Tehran’s central bazaar and later expanded to university campuses and smaller towns. While the protests have not reached the scale of previous nationwide uprisings in 2019 or 2022, they have prompted heightened security measures and emergency meetings among senior officials, reports The New York Times.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the depth of the country’s economic challenges, calling for dialogue and public engagement. Iran’s leadership has introduced measures, including changes in monetary policy and personnel adjustments at the central bank, although analysts say these steps have had a limited impact so far.
External pressure
At the same time, Iran faces increased external pressure amid ongoing tensions with Israel and strained relations with the United States. Recent statements by American and Israeli officials expressing support for protesters have drawn attention in Tehran, where leaders have voiced concern over potential foreign intervention or escalation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has condemned violence during the unrest while also recognising the right to protest economic hardship. Security forces have maintained a visible presence in affected areas, and authorities report casualties among both protesters and security personnel.
Observers note that Iran’s economic difficulties are closely linked to long-standing sanctions, regional conflicts, and internal governance challenges. Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the unrest subsides or develops into a broader political challenge.
