DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Protests are expanding across Iran, fueled by the Islamic Republic’s struggling economy and placing increasing pressure on its governing theocracy.
Widespread Unrest
Demonstrations have been reported in over 170 locations across 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. At least 15 people have been killed and more than 580 arrested as of Sunday. Reporting on the scale of the protests is challenging, as Iranian state media provides limited information and journalists face restrictions.
Economic Roots of the Protests
The protests initially focused on economic issues, triggered by the collapse of the Iranian rial – now trading at 1.4 million to $1. Prices for essential goods like meat and rice are rising, with the nation experiencing 40% annual inflation. A new pricing tier for gasoline introduced in December further exacerbated the situation, and the government will review prices every three months.
Anger has been building for years, particularly following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022, which sparked nationwide demonstrations.
A Weakened Regional Position
Iran’s “Axis of Resistance”—a network of allied countries and groups—is facing significant setbacks. Israel has reportedly crushed Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and Hezbollah in Lebanon has suffered leadership losses. A recent offensive in December 2024 led to the overthrow of Iran’s ally, President Bashar Assad, in Syria. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have also been targeted by airstrikes. The recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a longtime ally of Tehran, by U.S. troops adds to this pressure.
Nuclear Concerns and U.S. Response
Iran has been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, and the IAEA warns Iran could potentially build as many as 10 nuclear bombs. While U.S. intelligence assesses Iran has not yet begun a weapons program, it acknowledges activities that could position Iran to produce a nuclear device. Iran recently stated it was no longer enriching uranium, signaling a willingness to negotiate, but talks have stalled since a U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear sites in June.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. “will come to their rescue” if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters.”
A History of Tensions
The relationship between Iran and the U.S. has been fraught with conflict since the 1953 CIA-backed coup that cemented the Shah’s rule. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, diplomatic relations were severed after the U.S. embassy in Tehran was overrun. The two countries have experienced periods of both enmity and diplomacy, including the 2015 nuclear deal—from which the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018—and conflict during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been arrested during the protests?
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that more than 580 arrests have been made as of Sunday.
What is the current exchange rate of the Iranian rial?
The Iranian rial is currently trading at approximately 1.4 million to $1.
What was the U.S. response to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro?
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth likened the capture to U.S. strikes in Iran last year, stating that “Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance.”
As Iran grapples with economic hardship and regional isolation, what steps might the government take to quell the ongoing protests and address the underlying grievances of its citizens?
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