Irans Economic Situation Causes Widespread Protests and Strikes Nationwide

Protests Erupt in Tehran Amid Economic Crisis

Multiple incidents of protests have occurred in downtown Tehran, with shopkeepers in the Jomhouri area closing their businesses and chanting slogans on Sunday and Monday. The demonstrations were sparked by a free-falling national currency, which has been experiencing significant fluctuations.

According to reports, several business owners in the area closed their shops and participated in the protests, with some videos circulating on social media showing gatherings in other nearby neighborhoods. Anti-riot personnel were deployed to the streets, and tear gas was used to disperse the crowd.

The government’s IRNA news agency reported that vendors selling mobile phones were affected by the depreciation of the Iranian currency, which has reached an all-time record low of over 1.42 million per US dollar. However, the agency also stated that shopkeepers are concerned about economic conditions and have no issues with the current government.

The protests come amid multiple ongoing crises in Iran, including an energy crisis, water bankruptcy, and lethal pollution. The country is also facing pressure from the US, Israel, and their European allies over its nuclear program.

In recent years, Iran has experienced a decline in purchasing power for its citizens, with 90 million people affected. The country’s internet landscape is also considered one of the most closed-off in the world.

Protests have occurred in Iran before, including nationwide demonstrations in 2022 and 2023 following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Authorities have blamed foreign influence and “rioters” for destabilizing the country during previous protests.

President Masoud Pezeshkian recently presented a budget bill that proposes a 20 percent increase in wages, despite inflation standing at around 50 percent. The government has also announced plans to increase taxes by 62 percent.

Source: Al Jazeera