Iranian security forces have clashed with protesters in Tehran's historic Grand Bazaar, using tear gas and expelling demonstrators as tensions over the country's economy and rising prices continue to escalate. This latest bout of violence comes as rights groups accuse authorities of a crackdown on peaceful protesters.
At least 35 people have been killed and more than 1,200 arrested in clashes surrounding the protests, which began with economic grievances but have since expanded into broader social and political demands. The situation remains volatile, with demonstrations taking place in at least 257 locations across 88 cities nationwide.
Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, acknowledged the gravity of the crisis, warning that any government intervention would only exacerbate inflation. "The government basically does not have such power," he said. "Even if it wants to do this, it will be forced to put heavy pressure on the lower deciles of society by printing money."
The economy has been in free fall, with the Iranian rial plummeting to historic lows against the US dollar. The central bank's decision to curb a program providing preferential exchange rates for businesses is likely to lead to further price increases and shortages.
The situation on the ground is dire, with shoppers unable to access basic goods like cooking oil, which has seen its price double in recent weeks. The government's response has been mixed, with some officials condemning security forces' violence against protesters while others have taken a more measured approach.
In a rare statement, the US state department condemned Iran's treatment of medical staff and protesters, calling it a "clear crime against humanity." Meanwhile, Donald Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran if the government continues to kill protesters, drawing fire from top Iranian officials.
At least 35 people have been killed and more than 1,200 arrested in clashes surrounding the protests, which began with economic grievances but have since expanded into broader social and political demands. The situation remains volatile, with demonstrations taking place in at least 257 locations across 88 cities nationwide.
Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, acknowledged the gravity of the crisis, warning that any government intervention would only exacerbate inflation. "The government basically does not have such power," he said. "Even if it wants to do this, it will be forced to put heavy pressure on the lower deciles of society by printing money."
The economy has been in free fall, with the Iranian rial plummeting to historic lows against the US dollar. The central bank's decision to curb a program providing preferential exchange rates for businesses is likely to lead to further price increases and shortages.
The situation on the ground is dire, with shoppers unable to access basic goods like cooking oil, which has seen its price double in recent weeks. The government's response has been mixed, with some officials condemning security forces' violence against protesters while others have taken a more measured approach.
In a rare statement, the US state department condemned Iran's treatment of medical staff and protesters, calling it a "clear crime against humanity." Meanwhile, Donald Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran if the government continues to kill protesters, drawing fire from top Iranian officials.
. The fact that at least 35 people have lost their lives and over 1,200 are still trapped is just heartbreaking 
. It's like the government is trying to put pressure on the poor by printing more money, but that's not a solution to inflation 
. And what's really concerning is how some officials are defending the violence against protesters, while others condemn it 
.
. We need more dialogue and a solution that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy elite 
. And what's with Donald Trump trying to intervene? It's like he thinks the US has a right to step in like a superhero 
. Meanwhile, Iran's president is warning about the consequences of government intervention... isn't that a bit ironic? 
.
it's like the government is just piling on the problems instead of solving them. 
meanwhile, the US is trying to weigh in with their two cents, but they're not exactly in a position to be lecturing anyone about human rights when they've got their own history of meddling in other countries' affairs... 
what's going on in Iran is a classic case of a country where the system just needs a major overhaul. 
I'm low-key shocked by what's going on in Iran rn... 35+ dead is insane, fam 
. Like, I get it, the economy is a mess and people are losing it, but can't we just talk about this instead of resorting to violence? 
And now there's talk of the government printing more money... like, isn't that just gonna make things worse? 
It's all so confusing. Can someone pls just help Iran out already? 
I'm so worried about all those people getting hurt 
...I mean, shouldn't protesters have the right to express their concerns without getting gassed or arrested? 
. It's like, what's the government going to do about it? Print more money? Sounds like a recipe for disaster 
...
And what's up with Donald Trump talking about intervening? Shouldn't the US be focusing on supporting peaceful protests or something? 
.
this is so disheartening news... 35 lives lost already? 1,200 people arrested?