Protests Spread Across Iran for Third Day After Currency Hits Record Low
Protests and strikes erupting across Iran mark the third consecutive day of unrest, ignited by rampant inflation and the unprecedented devaluation of the Iranian rial against the US dollar.
– The unrest began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar when shopkeepers initiated a strike after the rial hit a record low on the open market.
– Verified videos by BBC Persian display demonstrations in several cities, including:
– Karaj
– Hamedan
– Qeshm
– Malard
– Isfahan
– Kermanshah
– Shiraz
– Yazd
– Reports indicate police have resorted to tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters.
Government Response to Protests
The Iranian government has acknowledged the ongoing protests, claiming it will listen “with patience, even if confronted with harsh voices.” Key developments include:
– President Masoud Pezeshkian’s directive to the interior minister to engage in talks with what he labels the “representatives” of the protesters, aiming to address their grievances responsibly.
– The acceptance of the resignation of Iran’s central bank governor, Mohammadreza Farzin, with former economy and finance minister Abdolnasser Hemmati stepping in as his replacement.
University students have joined the mobilizations, voicing anti-government slogans like “Death to the dictator,” referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Some demonstrators have even voiced support for Reza Pahlavi, the son of the ousted Shah, chanting “Long live the Shah.” Pahlavi, now in exile in the United States, has expressed solidarity with the protesters through social media, affirming, “Victory is ours because our cause is just and because we are united.”
International Reactions
The US State Department’s Persian-language account on social media has extended its support for the protests, commending the demonstrators’ courage and standing with those who seek “dignity and a better future” amidst prolonged economic turmoil.
Additionally, Iran’s situation was reportedly a key topic during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. Afterward, Trump remarked on Iran’s severe economic challenges, stating, “They’ve got a lot of problems: tremendous inflation, their economy is bust, their economy is no good, and I know people aren’t so happy.”
The president also hinted at the potential for renewed Israeli airstrikes on Iran if it resumes ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs, following a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June that involved US airstrikes on critical uranium enrichment sites. Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.
A Firm Stand from Iran’s Leadership
President Pezeshkian responded unequivocally on Tuesday, asserting that Iran’s response to any “oppressive act of aggression” will be “severe and regret-inducing.” Similarly, Supreme Leader Khamenei has dismissed claims that external forces sought to incite protests to undermine the regime, stating that, despite their attempts, “people were absolutely not influenced by what the enemy wanted.”
As the situation unfolds, the economic and political climate in Iran remains tense, with citizens demanding change in the face of ongoing hardships. The protests highlight deep-seated frustrations that may shape the future landscape of the nation amidst deteriorating conditions.