Iran's economy, already struggling, has been pushed to the brink by a crippling inflation rate and severe devaluation of its currency. For many Iranians, it's not just about economic woes but also a desire for dignity and national pride.
As protests spread across 185 cities in all provinces, President Trump has pledged to intervene if Iranian authorities crack down on demonstrators. The US president has made several statements, saying the country will be hit "very hard" by any further violence.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed his regime would not back down from protests sparked by economic issues and called for unity among Iranians. However, he also accused some protesters of seeking to "please the US president".
Iran has long struggled with mass protests, starting in 2009 over the disputed presidential election, followed by widespread demonstrations in 2017 and 2019.
This latest round of protests is different due to their roots in economic woes and a greater sense of desperation among demonstrators. It's also harder for the regime to quell, as protesters are more focused on dignity and national pride.
Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has been cheering on the protests from exile, urging demonstrators to keep the movement "disciplined" and "as large as possible". His call could be a turning point in the protest movement, but it's uncertain whether elements within security forces will follow suit.
As protests spread across 185 cities in all provinces, President Trump has pledged to intervene if Iranian authorities crack down on demonstrators. The US president has made several statements, saying the country will be hit "very hard" by any further violence.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed his regime would not back down from protests sparked by economic issues and called for unity among Iranians. However, he also accused some protesters of seeking to "please the US president".
Iran has long struggled with mass protests, starting in 2009 over the disputed presidential election, followed by widespread demonstrations in 2017 and 2019.
This latest round of protests is different due to their roots in economic woes and a greater sense of desperation among demonstrators. It's also harder for the regime to quell, as protesters are more focused on dignity and national pride.
Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has been cheering on the protests from exile, urging demonstrators to keep the movement "disciplined" and "as large as possible". His call could be a turning point in the protest movement, but it's uncertain whether elements within security forces will follow suit.