Widespread demonstrations that began with shopkeepers' strikes in Tehran have spread to roughly 20 areas and escalated into clashes that authorities say left six people dead. Protesters — including students and merchants — have used slogans echoing the 2022 Mahsa Amini movement, while many viral videos remain hard to verify. The government has acknowledged economic grievances, replaced the central bank governor and promised measures, but analysts say recurring unrest is likely even if immediate regime change is unlikely.
Iran Protests Spread: Strikes, Campus Rallies and New Clashes — What We Know
A video posted on social media on December 31, 2025, showed protestors attacking a government building in Fasa in southern Iran (-)(-/UGC/AFP)
Iran has been shaken by a fresh wave of protests that began in Tehran and have spread to some 20 areas across the country. Authorities report at least six people killed in clashes with security forces as demonstrations driven by economic grievances and political slogans escalated.
What's going on?
The unrest began when shopkeepers in Tehran staged strikes over soaring prices and prolonged economic stagnation. Within days, students at universities in Tehran, Isfahan and Yazd joined demonstrations, and parts of Tehran's bazaar saw merchants walking out. Local and state media, alongside international news agencies, report protests touching towns mainly in western Iran.
In Fasa, AFP-verified video showed dozens gathering outside a government building, throwing objects and attempting to pull down its gate. Videos and social media posts circulating online have amplified the unrest, though many clips remain hard to verify and some may have been manipulated.
Protest Slogans and Echoes of 2022
Chants reported at recent rallies include "Woman, Life, Freedom" and "Death to the dictator", slogans that were prominent during the mass protests following the September 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini. Rights groups say the 2022–2023 wave was suppressed by mass arrests and executions, but the regime remained intact.
Context
Analysts say the protests reflect a mix of immediate economic pain — driven by years of international sanctions, high inflation and currency collapse — and broader political anger, including resentment over Tehran's regional spending on allies and proxies. Some demonstrators have reportedly chanted slogans critical of Iran's involvement in Gaza and Lebanon.
Recent regional tensions and strikes that hit Iranian assets have intensified pressures on the government. International comments and threats of further strikes have also heightened the stakes for Tehran.
How Authorities Have Responded
State media have largely downplayed the unrest; security forces confronted demonstrators in several cities and authorities closed schools, banks and public offices citing a public holiday, cold weather and energy conservation. Officials have acknowledged economic grievances and announced measures, including replacing the central bank governor.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist, publicly warned his government must address the economic crisis, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had not issued a public statement at the time of reporting.
Scale and Outlook
Opposition figures abroad have welcomed the protests, but analysts caution the current demonstrations are not yet at the scale of the 2019 nationwide unrest, which was larger and deadlier. Experts say the rallies are the most serious wave since 2023 but express doubt that this round alone will topple the regime. They also warn that declining living standards make recurring protests likely.
Reporting Cautions
Journalists and analysts urge caution: social media footage is widespread but often difficult to authenticate. Casualty and arrest figures are evolving, and the situation remains fluid.
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