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Iran's Economic Unrest: A Closer Look at the Growing Protests

IranTuesday, January 6, 2026
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Duration: Nine days and counting

Causes

  • Economic struggles: Currency devaluation and rising prices
  • Wider issues: Anger towards government leadership

Impact

  • Casualties: At least 25 deaths (per rights groups)
  • Arrests: Over 1,000 people detained

Comparison to Past Protests

  • Smaller scale than 2022-23 protests (which were sparked by a woman's death in police custody)
  • Growing momentum: Protesters now voicing broader grievances

International Response

  • U.S. stance: Pledges support for protesters
  • Iran's response: Government refuses to concede, blames foreign interference

Government Measures

  • Promises: Changes to ease economic burdens
  • Threats: Crackdown on "rioters"

Economic Fallout

  • Currency decline: Further depreciation since protests began
  • Policy shifts: New rules to assist citizens, but protest continuation uncertain

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