PROTESTS IN IRAN: FROM ECONOMIC CRISIS TO POLITICAL CHALLENGE

The protests that started in Iran on 28 December 2025 quickly spread across the country and became the largest wave of demonstrations since the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022. According to verified footage analyzed by BBC Verify and BBC Persian, protests took place in at least 17 of Iran’s 31 provinces. This shows that public dissatisfaction is not limited to a few regions but has become nationwide.

The protests were initially triggered by economic problems. The sharp depreciation of Iran’s currency, high inflation, and rising food prices seriously reduced people’s purchasing power. Long standing international sanctions and the perception of poor economic management further increased public anger. For this reason, early demonstrations mainly focused on economic hardship and living conditions.

However, as the protests continued, their demands went beyond economic issues. Over time, the demonstrations clearly turned into anti regime protests. Slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and criticism of the country’s leadership showed that the political dimension of the protests was becoming stronger. In addition, the use of symbols from the pre-1979 period and slogans supporting the former royal family suggested that dissatisfaction with the current system was turning into a search for political alternatives.

Another important point is that protests were also seen in cities such as Qom and Mashhad, which are traditionally considered loyal to the regime. Demonstrations in these cities indicate that even the regime’s traditional support base is suffering under economic pressure. This shows that the protests are not limited to opposition groups but are spreading across broader segments of society.

The state’s response to the protests became harsher over time. While security forces initially acted more cautiously, their approach grew more repressive after official statements by the leadership. The use of force increased, arrests became more common, and internet access was largely restricted. Although these measures may help the government maintain control in the short term, they also risk deepening public anger in the long run.

At the international level, statements by the United States and Israel added a global dimension to the protests. The Iranian government used these reactions to strengthen its narrative that the unrest was caused by foreign interference. This discourse aims to delegitimize the protests by presenting them as externally driven rather than domestically motivated.

In conclusion, although the protests in Iran do not currently pose an existential threat to the regime, they clearly reveal growing political and economic fragility. Security forces remain largely loyal, and the opposition lacks unified leadership and a clear strategy. Nevertheless, the wide geographical spread of the protests, including in traditionally pro-government areas, shows that public dissatisfaction in Iran is deepening and becoming more visible.

References:

https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/c20zpz8ve59o

https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cje123e4ql2o