Iran Protests Have Put the Country’s Political System on Trial

The economic roots of Iran's protests

The protests that erupted in Tehran on December 28 and quickly spread across Iran were triggered by a specific grievance: the collapse of the count...

Why protests in Iran seem surprisingly pro-Israel

Iranian cities are engulfed in anti-regime protests, the largest in several years. Initially sparked by economic frustration, the demonstrations have quickly expanded to include broader grievances — particularly anger at Iran’s foreign policy. One chant heard repeatedly in videos circulating from inside Iran captures that anger succinctly: “Neither Gaza, nor for Lebanon — my life is only for Iran.” The slogan refers to Iran’s long-standing suppo…

What to Know About Iran’s Protests—and Trump’s Threat of U.S. Intervention

Violent protests in Iran over the country’s weakening economy have now stretched beyond ten days, killing at least 36 people and intensifying pressure on the Islamic Republic as it confronts its most sustained unrest in three years. Among the dead are four children and at least two members of Iran’s security forces, according to rights groups. Hundreds more have been detained as authorities move to suppress demonstrations that show little sign o…

Iran protests have put the country’s political system on trial

Protests that began in late December over rising prices and a collapsing currency have now spread to most of Iran’s 31 provinces, with demonstrators taking aim at the country’s rulers. The demonstrations signal a deep challenge to a political order that many Iranians see as incapable of delivering stability, dignity or a viable future. The unrest poses the most serious challenge to Iran’s political establishment since 2022. That year, nationwide…

The economic roots of Iran’s protests

In December, as the rial’s value fell by 16% – for a total decline of roughly 84% over the past year – food inflation reached an annual rate of 72%, nearly double its recent average.