Iran is currently experiencing its largest wave of protests since 2022, driven by severe economic hardship, political unrest, and ethnic tensions. The protests have spread across over 88 cities, involving diverse groups like shopkeepers, students, and minorities. Understanding the causes behind this escalation helps explain the country's ongoing crisis and what might happen next. Below, we explore the key questions about these protests and Iran's current situation.
-
What is causing the recent protests in Iran?
The protests in Iran are mainly caused by the country's collapsing currency, high inflation, and economic hardship. These issues have worsened since late 2025, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. People are also protesting against government repression and ethnic discrimination, which have fueled the unrest across many regions.
-
How widespread are the protests in Iran?
The protests have spread to over 88 cities across most of Iran's provinces. They started in Tehran's bazaar and quickly expanded to include universities, ethnic minority areas, and rural regions. The scale of the protests shows a significant level of public anger and frustration with the current economic and political situation.
-
What is the government doing about the protests?
Iranian authorities have responded with a mix of security crackdowns and promises of dialogue. Security forces have used live ammunition, resulting in at least 35 deaths, including protesters and security personnel. The government has also arrested over 1,200 people and labeled many protesters as 'rioters' to justify their actions.
-
Who is involved in the protests?
The protests involve a diverse range of groups, including shopkeepers, students, ethnic minorities, and young people. Ethnic minorities, such as Kurds and Arabs, are protesting against discrimination and economic neglect. The involvement of different social groups highlights the widespread discontent across Iranian society.
-
Why are the protests happening now?
The protests are happening now because of worsening economic conditions, including a devalued rial and soaring inflation. These economic issues, combined with political repression and ethnic tensions, have created a perfect storm of unrest that has erupted into nationwide protests.
-
Could these protests lead to political change in Iran?
While the protests show significant public dissatisfaction, whether they will lead to political change remains uncertain. The government is trying to suppress the unrest, but ongoing demonstrations indicate deep-rooted issues that could continue to challenge Iran's leadership in the coming months.