What's happened
Protests in Tehran and nearby areas have erupted over economic hardship, with shops closing and slogans against the government. The rial has sharply depreciated, inflation has surged, and the government plans tax hikes, raising fears of hyperinflation and further unrest.
What's behind the headline?
The protests highlight Iran's ongoing economic crisis, driven by currency devaluation and soaring inflation. The rial's plunge to 1.42 million to the dollar signals a loss of confidence in the economy, exacerbated by US sanctions and geopolitical tensions. The government’s plan to increase taxes amid rising prices risks deepening public discontent. The protests echo historical unrest linked to economic hardship, and the current trend suggests further instability. The inflation figures—42.2% in December, with food prices up 72%—indicate potential hyperinflation, which could lead to more severe economic collapse. The political environment remains tense, with fears of renewed conflict and sanctions looming, further straining Iran’s economy and society.
What the papers say
The reports from France 24 and AP News provide consistent accounts of the protests, currency depreciation, and inflation. France 24 emphasizes the historical significance of the protests near Tehran's Grand Bazaar and the economic pressures, including the currency's rapid depreciation and inflation rates. AP News highlights the social unrest, shop closures, and slogans against the government, along with the currency's decline and inflation figures. While both sources agree on the economic deterioration and public dissent, France 24 offers more context on the geopolitical background, including sanctions and regional tensions, whereas AP focuses on the immediate social and economic impacts. The convergence of these reports underscores the severity of Iran’s current crisis, driven by economic mismanagement and external pressures.
How we got here
Iran's recent protests stem from economic struggles worsened by currency depreciation, inflation, and sanctions. The rial has lost significant value since 2015, and recent US sanctions and geopolitical tensions have intensified economic instability, prompting public dissent and government responses.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Is Iran Facing Economic Crisis and Public Unrest?
Iran is currently experiencing a severe economic crisis marked by currency depreciation, soaring inflation, and widespread protests. Many wonder what has caused this turmoil and what it means for the country's future. Below, we explore the main reasons behind Iran's economic struggles, the nature of the protests, and potential political implications.
-
How Is Iran's Economic Crisis Impacting the World?
Iran's ongoing protests and economic turmoil are making waves beyond its borders. From soaring inflation and currency collapse to regional stability concerns, many are wondering how these developments could affect global markets, oil prices, and international relations. Below, we explore the key questions about Iran's crisis and its wider implications.
-
What’s Next for Iran’s Economy and Protests?
Iran is currently facing a turbulent period marked by economic decline and widespread protests. With currency depreciation, rising inflation, and social unrest, many are wondering what the future holds. Will the protests continue or escalate? How will international sanctions impact Iran’s economy? Here are the key questions and answers to understand Iran’s current crisis and what might come next.
More on these topics
-
Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
-
Tehran is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With a population of around 8.7 million in the city and 15 million in the larger metropolitan area of Greater Tehran, Tehran is the most populous city in Iran and Western Asia, and has the third-largest m
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United States dollar (symbol: $; currency code: USD) is the official currency of the United States and several other countries. The Coinage Act of 1792 introduced the U.S. dollar at par with the Spanish silver dollar, divided it into 100 cents, and...