What's happened
Protests across Iran have grown since late December, with over 257 locations reporting unrest. At least 29 people have died, and more than 1,200 detained. The demonstrations, initially economic, now include political chants, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the government amid severe inflation and sanctions.
What's behind the headline?
The protests in Iran are a significant challenge to the current regime, potentially the largest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The economic crisis, worsened by sanctions and military strikes, has created fertile ground for unrest. The government’s response, including reports of violence and injuries, indicates a crackdown that may escalate tensions further. The protests' expansion to political chants and ethnic support signals a deepening crisis that could threaten the regime’s stability. Internationally, the protests are compounded by Iran’s strained relations with the US and regional allies, with the potential for wider geopolitical repercussions. The regime’s future stability hinges on its ability to manage economic hardship and public dissent without further violence.
What the papers say
Sky News reports the protests have spread to over 257 locations, with at least 29 deaths and 1,200 detained, highlighting the scale and severity of unrest. The Independent emphasizes the ongoing economic collapse, with the rial trading at 1.4 million to the dollar and inflation at 40%, driven by sanctions and military strikes. AP News notes the government’s limited information and reports of violence, including injuries to police and demonstrators, and highlights the ethnic and regional dimensions of the protests. All sources agree that the protests are deep-rooted in economic hardship but are now also political, with widespread dissatisfaction with the regime. The coverage underscores the potential for this unrest to reshape Iran’s political landscape and regional stability.
How we got here
Iran's protests began on 28 December, triggered by economic hardship, including a collapsing currency, inflation, and rising prices for essentials. The unrest was initially led by shopkeepers and merchants in Tehran but has expanded to include students and ethnic groups. The protests follow years of economic sanctions, internal political tensions, and the aftermath of military conflicts, including recent strikes by Israel and the US targeting Iran's nuclear sites. The death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and ongoing economic struggles have fueled public anger, which now also targets political leadership.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s Behind the Iran Protests and What Could Happen Next?
Iran is currently experiencing widespread protests that started over economic issues and have grown into a broader political movement. With over 257 locations reporting unrest, at least 29 deaths, and thousands detained, many are wondering what’s fueling this unrest and what it could mean for Iran’s future. In this page, we explore the main reasons behind the protests, how the government is responding, and what international reactions are shaping the situation. Keep reading to understand the key questions about Iran’s ongoing crisis.
-
How Do US Actions in Venezuela and Iran Impact Global Stability?
Recent US interventions in Venezuela and Iran have sparked widespread debate about their effects on regional and global stability. From economic sanctions to military operations, these actions raise questions about their long-term consequences. Below, we explore key questions about these developments and what they mean for the world.
-
What Do These Major News Stories Mean for You?
Recent global events, from energy investments in Venezuela to protests in Iran, have wide-reaching implications. Understanding how these stories might impact your daily life, safety, and the world around you can help you stay informed and prepared. Below, we explore key questions about these major headlines and what they could mean for you.
More on these topics
-
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.
-
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
-
Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
-
On 16 September 2022, 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, also known as Jina Amini, died in a hospital in Tehran, Iran, under suspicious circumstances. The Guidance Patrol, the religious morality police of Iran's government, had arrested Amini.