Iran is experiencing a wave of protests triggered by a dramatic currency collapse and deepening economic hardship. Shopkeepers in Tehran's bazaars initiated strikes that quickly spread to universities and towns across the country, drawing in both poor and middle-class citizens. The unrest has grown beyond economic grievances to include calls for political change, with demonstrators chanting against the country's leadership and even calling for the return of the royal family.

Authorities have responded with a mix of empathy and harsh crackdowns, but the security forces appear less unified than in previous protest movements. Violent confrontations have resulted in deaths among both protesters and police, and internet blackouts have further complicated the situation. The protests mark a significant challenge to Iran's government, which faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international fronts, leaving many Iranians questioning the future stability of their country.