Widespread Protests in Iran Amid Currency Collapse and Government Crackdown
Protests in Iran have entered their fourth day, initially sparked by a sharp collapse in the currency. The unrest began in Tehran on Sunday, involving university students chanting slogans critical of the clerical rulers, before spreading to other cities including Fasa in Fars province, Hamedan, and Lorestan.
In Fasa, demonstrators attempted to break into the governor's office, resulting in injuries to three police officers and the arrest of four people. Confrontations have also been reported in Hamedan and Lorestan provinces.
In response to the ongoing unrest, authorities declared a bank holiday in Tehran on Wednesday, citing energy savings during cold weather. However, this move is widely viewed as an attempt to contain the protests, alongside nationwide closures of schools, universities, and public institutions. Tight security measures have been reported in areas of Tehran where demonstrations began.
These protests represent the most widespread nationwide unrest since the 2022 uprising triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, though they have not reached that previous scale. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the government would listen to the legitimate demands of the protesters. Meanwhile, Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that any attempts to create instability would be met with a decisive response.
