Tehran is gripped by fury as economic woes ignite massive protests across Iran. In a shocking escalation, at least 27 people have lost their lives in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The unrest, sparked by soaring inflation and government policies, has spread from provincial towns to the heart of the capital.
Viral videos from Abdanan in Ilam province capture the scale of public anger. On Tuesday night, thousands poured onto the streets, including families with young children and elderly marchers chanting slogans under the watchful eyes of hovering helicopters. The sheer number of protesters dwarfed the security presence, signaling deep-seated frustration.
A Norway-based human rights group reports that security forces’ crackdown claimed 27 lives, including five children under 18. Iran’s government acknowledges losses on its side, confirming one policeman killed during clashes following funerals of earlier victims. State media highlights three deaths amid the chaos, underscoring the intensity of the confrontations.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei broke his silence this week, vowing stern action against ‘rioters.’ Protests first erupted on December 28 when shopkeepers shuttered businesses in defiance. By Tuesday, commercial districts in Tehran echoed with similar outrage, as citizens rail against skyrocketing prices and failed economic strategies.
Amnesty International condemned the crackdown as a violation of international law, warning of the regime’s desperation to suppress dissent. In a bold move, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite: ‘On Thursday and Friday, January 8 and 9, at exactly 8 PM, wherever you are—streets or homes—start chanting. Your response will shape the next steps.’
This wave of dissent is being called Iran’s largest in recent years, surpassing the 2022-2023 protests triggered by a young woman’s death in custody over dress code violations. As tensions simmer, the nation braces for further upheaval, with economic despair fueling calls for profound change.