Iran on edge: Nationwide protests rock Iran amid deepening economic and political crisis
PTC Web Desk: Iran is witnessing one of its most significant waves of unrest in years, with large crowds taking to the streets of Tehran and several other cities amid mounting anger over economic hardship, political repression and worsening living conditions.
Verified videos circulating online show thousands of demonstrators marching through central Tehran, Mashhad and other urban centres, chanting slogans against the clerical leadership and calling for sweeping political change. Protesters were also heard expressing support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, who has publicly urged citizens to continue demonstrations.
The protests, which began late last month, gained momentum after traders at Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar shut their shops in response to the sharp fall of the Iranian rial. The currency’s collapse has driven up food prices and fuelled public frustration over years of economic mismanagement and the impact of international sanctions.
As demonstrations intensified, authorities imposed what Internet monitoring groups described as a near-total nationwide shutdown. Network data showed severe restrictions on mobile services and a complete disconnection of several networks from the global internet, making it difficult for people to communicate or share information. Residents in cities, including Shiraz, Kermanshah, Mashhad and parts of Tehran, reported prolonged outages and delayed text messaging, particularly in areas where protests were most active.
Footage from different cities showed tense scenes, including security forces dismantling protest barricades and crowds setting fires along major roads. In Shiraz, a barricade bearing the message “We revolt due to hunger” was driven over by security vehicles, highlighting the economic desperation driving the unrest.
Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad appealed to the international community for support, saying the demonstrations reflected a clear rejection of the current system. She criticised the internet blackout and urged global leaders and technology companies to help restore connectivity and back what she described as Iranians’ demand for a secular and democratic future.
The government has responded with warnings and force. Iran’s Chief Justice, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, said those involved in the protests would face serious consequences, accusing demonstrators of acting in line with foreign enemies. Security forces have used tear gas and mass arrests to disperse crowds, particularly around the Grand Bazaar, where clashes were reported earlier this week.
Human rights groups estimate that several people have been killed and more than 2,000 arrested since the unrest began, though Iranian authorities have not released official figures. Media reports say the true toll may be higher, given the communication blackout and restricted access for independent observers.
International reactions have added to the tension. US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against violently crushing peaceful protests, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced support for the demonstrators, saying Iranians may be reclaiming control over their future. In response, Iran’s military leadership said the armed forces were on high alert and ready to respond to any external threat.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed the protests as foreign-driven and insisted Iran would not bow to pressure. The government has announced limited monthly cash assistance to help families cope with rising food costs, but critics say the amount is negligible and unlikely to calm public anger.
Analysts believe the current protests are driven not only by economic collapse but also by years of pent-up resentment over political repression, corruption and Iran’s growing international isolation.
- With inputs from agencies
