“Iran Protests Spread Over Inflation and Currency Crisis”

Protests in Iran over rising prices and the sharp fall of the national currency have continued for the third straight day and have now spread beyond Tehran to several other cities. What began as a strike by shopkeepers at Tehran’s famous Grand Bazaar has turned into wider protests across the country.

As demonstrations grew, police used tear gas in some areas to control the crowds. Many protesters are angry about high inflation, the falling value of the Iranian rial, and worsening living conditions.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said the government is aware of the protests and has ordered officials to hold talks with representatives of the demonstrators. In a major move, the government replaced the central bank governor with former economy and finance minister Abdolnasser Hemmati, in an attempt to calm public anger.

University students also joined the protests, raising anti-government slogans. Some protesters were seen expressing support for Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, who lives in exile.

International reactions have followed closely. The United States said it supports the Iranian protesters. Reports also said that the situation in Iran was an important topic during a recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said several times that Israel hoped large protests would break out in Iran during the war and lead to the fall of the government.