Iran Protests: From the 1979 Islamic Revolution to Today’s Rial Crisis
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Iran has been thrust into the spotlight once again as protests erupt across cities and towns, ignited by economic strife and political unrest. Internet access and international telephone services were cut off as demonstrators responded fervently to calls from the country’s exiled crown prince. Slogans filled the streets and windows after dark, and markets shut down in solidarity. Tragically, at least 42 people have died, and over 2,270 have been detained, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
The latest wave of protests marks yet another chapter in Iran’s long history of societal upheaval. Over the past five decades, the nation has witnessed numerous demonstrations stemming from political dissatisfaction, economic hardship, and calls for personal freedoms. Here’s a closer look at the significant protest movements that have shaped Iran:
1979 Islamic Revolution
– Protests in the late 1970s united students, oil workers, and citizens clamoring for political freedoms.
– The movement gained momentum against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who eventually fled the country amid growing unrest.
– In February 1979, the revolution succeeded with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini establishing a strict Shiite theocracy, initiating a period of severe repression that included the execution of thousands.
1999 Student Protests
– Anger peaked in 1999 following the chain murders of activists.
– Students at Tehran University sparked protests that expanded after a raid by security forces on their campus.
– The unrest resulted in three deaths and the detention of around 1,200 individuals.
2009 Green Movement
– In response to the disputed reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, millions protested, labeling it the Green Movement.
– The demonstrations were met with brutal force, leading to dozens of fatalities and thousands of arrests over several months.
2017–2018 Demonstrations
– Economic grievances, particularly rising food prices and cuts to cash handouts, ignited protests in late 2017.
– The unrest began in Mashhad but quickly spread nationwide, resulting in over 20 casualties and hundreds detained.
2019 Gasoline Protests
– A sudden increase in subsidized gasoline prices triggered widespread protests.
– Demonstrators clashed with security forces, setting gas stations and banks ablaze, contributing to more than 300 reported deaths and a complete internet shutdown by authorities.
2022 Mahsa Amini Protests
– Protests reignited in September 2022 following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman arrested by morality police.
– Investigations revealed that Iranian authorities were responsible for the physical violence leading to Amini’s death.
– Subsequent crackdowns left more than 500 dead and over 22,000 detained, with many women continuing to resist mandatory hijab laws.
2025–26 Rial Protests
– Currently, protests are fueled by economic hardships and regional conflicts, exacerbated by stringent sanctions and the aftermath of a 12-day war with Israel.
– The Iranian rial has plummeted to a staggering exchange rate of 1.4 million to $1, triggering widespread unrest.
– As nighttime demonstrations unfolded, authorities once again cut internet and telephone networks, a familiar tactic to suppress dissent.
The ongoing protests, driven by the rial crisis and economic instability, reflect deep-rooted frustrations among the Iranian populace. With a rich history of activism, the people of Iran continue to demand change, face challenges, and navigate a landscape fraught with tension. As the situation evolves, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that honors the voices calling for justice and reform in Iran.