"A wave of protests is sweeping across Iran, which is mired in a deep economic crisis marked by an unprecedented drop in the value of the rial and surging inflation. But the demonstrations, which began with a merchants' strike in Tehran on December 28 and have grown as students have joined the movement, go beyond the country's economic woes. Experts say the protests the most significant challenge to the Islamic regime since the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement of 2022 are a reflection of widespread and growing political discontent and anger at the government."
"Kasra Qaredaghi, a PhD student in political science at the University of Central Florida in the United States, explains that protests often start with economic concerns, which evolve into broader political demands. "In such a setting, when living costs rise, but incomes and job security don't keep pace, livelihood grievances quickly turn into dissatisfaction," Qaredaghi told DW. "This economic crisis is unfolding in a context where public trust in the government's ability to control inflation and create stability has eroded," he added. Iran's government has been accused of widespread corruption, while protesters also allege authorities are prioritizing support for proxies abroad like Palestinian militants Hamas and Lebanese group Hezbollah over domestic welfare, as well as suppressing freedoms."
Iran is experiencing widespread protests amid a severe economic crisis marked by an unprecedented drop in the rial and surging inflation. Protests began with a merchants' strike in Tehran on December 28 and expanded as students joined. Demonstrators target Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Republic's foreign policy, chanting slogans against the regime and criticizing support for proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah over domestic welfare. Videos show police using tear gas and plastic bullets against protesters. Public trust in the government's ability to control inflation and create stability has eroded amid accusations of widespread corruption.
Read at www.dw.com
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