In recent days, protests have spread across Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad, primarily driven by the dramatic devaluation of the national currency amid an ongoing economic crisis. What began as a strike by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants has escalated into broader political demonstrations, with slogans such as "Death to the dictator" resonating throughout the streets.

The Iranian rial has plummeted to an exchange rate of approximately 1.45 million rials for one U.S. dollar, a significant increase from 820,000 rials just a year ago. This devaluation has severely impacted the average monthly wage of a full-time worker in Iran, which now stands at slightly over $100 (€85), rendering basic food supplies unaffordable for many citizens. The inflationary shock has destabilized Iranian society, particularly in a nation heavily reliant on imports.

Gissou Nia, a human rights lawyer and Iran expert from the Atlantic Council, notes that while the economic collapse has sparked the protests, the underlying issues stem from widespread dissatisfaction with the Iranian regime, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests, originating in the bazaar—a historically significant economic and political force—signal a critical shift, as strikes in this sector have previously played a vital role in major political changes, such as the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the government's limited capacity to address the demonstrators' concerns, citing unresolved issues that hinder effective governance. The proposed budget for 2026 includes a 62% tax increase amidst an inflation rate of 50%, which many citizens view as exploitative.

The economic crisis has evolved into a broader societal crisis, affecting savings, access to food and medicine, and essential services like water and electricity. The impact is felt across various social strata, including the urban middle class. Nia emphasizes that many individuals are unable to afford basic necessities, which may further mobilize political action.

The Iranian government's long-standing investment in regional military engagements has also come under scrutiny, with protests explicitly opposing this foreign policy. Many citizens perceive financial support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas as a misallocation of resources that should instead benefit the Iranian populace.

As protests continue, the Iranian regime has responded with increased violence and intimidation, indicating heightened concern about the unrest. Reports have emerged of security forces using tear gas and firing on peaceful demonstrators, suggesting a shift in the government's approach to managing dissent.

Historically, the Iranian leadership has attributed protests to foreign interference, particularly from the United States and Israel. However, the rapid and widespread nature of the current mobilization challenges this narrative, leading many to question the regime's grasp on reality and its ability to address the grievances of its citizens. Activists have noted a shift in protest slogans, with calls for prioritizing domestic issues over foreign military engagements, reflecting a growing sentiment among Iranians to focus on their own country's needs rather than external conflicts.