Protests in Iran began over two weeks ago, sparked by economic grievances and have broadened into widespread calls for political change, prompting threats of intervention from the United States.
Economic Grievances Fuel Protests
The demonstrations initially erupted on December 28 when shopkeepers in Tehran protested a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar. The rial has reached a record low over the past year, leading to soaring inflation and making essential goods like cooking oil and meat unaffordable for many.
The Iranian economy has been weakened by government mismanagement, corruption, and sanctions related to its nuclear program.
Nationwide Demonstrations and Government Response
Protests quickly spread to other cities, evolving into wider calls for political change. Demonstrations have taken place in at least 186 cities and towns across all of Iran’s provinces, according to US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Human rights groups report that hundreds of protesters have been killed and thousands injured. A digital blackout has severely restricted communication, with millions of Iranians losing internet access, making independent verification of information difficult.
US Response and Potential Intervention
US President Donald Trump has threatened intervention in recent days. On Monday, he warned of “very strong options” and subsequently announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries with commercial ties to Iran.
Trump’s national security team is scheduled to meet to discuss potential intervention strategies, and he has received briefings on a range of military and covert options available to the US, according to CBS News.
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