Protests erupted across over 100 cities in 27 provinces, starting from merchant strikes in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over soaring inflation and a collapsing rial, now blending economic anger with calls for regime change following exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi‘s street call.
The government imposed a near-total internet blackout, severed phone lines, and cracked down harshly, with rights groups reporting at least 45 protesters killed including children, hundreds injured, and over 2,000 arrested since late December.
International voices like President Trump and Sen. John Fetterman voiced support as bazaars shuttered in 15 cities and strikes spread, testing the regime’s grip amid poverty and distrust.
