Protests Escalate Across Iran with Clashes in Tehran and Mashhad Amid Economic Struggles
On December 29, 2025, protests intensified across Iran with significant clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Tehran and Mashhad, where tear gas was used to disperse crowds in Tehran.
Nationwide strikes led to the closure of major commercial areas including Tehran's Grand Bazaar and key streets such as Lalehzar Street, Naser Khosrow, and Istanbul Square.
Protesters chanted anti-government slogans, demanding the overthrow of the ruling clerics. Security personnel responded with tear gas and batons, and some reports indicated that security forces retreated in certain areas.
In Tehran, crowds marched along Jomhouri Street and extended into nearby districts including Naser Khosrow Street and Istanbul Square, with footage showing protests occurring inside the Grand Bazaar.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) reported large crowd gatherings and heightened security alert in Tehran; Maryam Rajavi urged a "chain of protests," although these claims were not independently verified.
The unrest spread to Mashhad where protests took place in central squares, accompanied by clashes with riot police.
The IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency cited eyewitness accounts of small groups of 5–10 individuals chanting slogans beyond economic demands.
Economically, Iran faced high inflation with December's rate at 52.6% year-over-year and an average annual inflation of 42.2%. Meanwhile, the Iranian rial hit a record low against the U.S. dollar.
International commentary included former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett calling for an uprising and former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo linking the protests to the country’s collapsing economy and governmental corruption.
