Protests in Iran have intensified in response to severe economic challenges, including a collapsing currency and high inflation rates, which have reached 50%. The unrest has been marked by significant public discontent, particularly following the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman in police custody in 2022, which ignited widespread demonstrations against the government's policies and practices.

The Iranian leadership, particularly under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has historically responded to dissent with violent measures, a pattern that has continued in the current protests. Reports indicate that at least seven individuals have died during the latest wave of demonstrations, which have included anti-regime slogans directed at Khamenei. The protests have also seen expressions of nostalgia for the former Shah, reflecting a notable shift in public sentiment.

Initial protests began in Tehran's Grand Bazaar, where middle-class merchants and students united to voice their frustrations over economic mismanagement and the government's financial support for foreign groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Protesters have chanted slogans such as "Not Gaza, Not Lebanon, may my life be sacrificed for Iran," emphasizing their desire for the government to prioritize domestic issues over foreign military engagements.

In a significant development, President Masoud Pezeshkian has suggested that the government should engage in dialogue with protest leaders, contrasting with the typical hardline stance of Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guard. However, the response from armed forces has become increasingly aggressive, with verified reports of violence, including gunfire and the burning of a police station.

The protests have drawn international attention, with figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump expressing support for the demonstrators. Iranian officials have warned that any foreign intervention could exacerbate regional instability, referencing the historical context of U.S. military actions in the Middle East. The situation underscores the complex interplay of domestic unrest and international relations, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications of state aggression and the role of external powers in such crises.