Tue, 30 Dec 2025

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 Protests spread across Iran for third day after currency hits record low

The Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar on Sunday, prompting shopkeepers in Tehran to stage protests, which have quickly spread.

* Protests and strikes against inflation and currency devaluation have spread across Iran, with demonstrations reported in 8 cities beyond Tehran.
* The unrest began on Sunday after shopkeepers in Tehran staged a strike due to the Iranian rial hitting a record low against the US dollar.
* Police have used tear gas to try to disperse protesters, while videos show university students joining in, chanting anti-government slogans and calling for regime change.
* Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed talks with "representatives" of the protesters to resolve their issues, and accepted the resignation of the central bank governor.
* Former economy minister Abdolnasser Hemmati has been appointed as the new head of the central bank.
* The protests have also seen support from outside Iran, with Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, expressing solidarity and calling for regime change.
* The US state department has praised the protesters' courage and expressed support for their cause.
* Iranian President Pezeshkian has vowed a "severe" response to any external aggression against Iran.
* The situation in Iran is reportedly high on the agenda of talks between US and Israeli leaders, with President Trump indicating that he would back further military action if necessary.
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