Tehran: Iran is facing one of its most serious internal crises in recent years as nationwide protests continue to spread, driven mainly by economic hardship and growing public anger. At the same time, tensions with the United States have added external pressure on the Iranian leadership.
Protests that began in late December over rising prices and the falling value of the Iranian currency have now reached many parts of the country. Demonstrations have been reported in major cities as well as smaller towns, reflecting widespread frustration over inflation, unemployment, and the cost of basic goods.
Human rights groups say dozens of people have been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces, while more than a thousand have been detained. Iranian authorities have not released official nationwide figures but insist they are acting to restore order and protect national security.
The government has blamed foreign powers for stirring unrest, while also announcing limited economic measures aimed at easing pressure on households. Analysts say these steps may not be enough to calm public anger, as many Iranians feel long standing economic problems have been ignored.
The situation has also drawn strong reactions from the United States. President Donald Trump has warned Tehran against using excessive force on protesters, saying Washington is closely monitoring developments. US officials have repeated calls for Iran to respect the rights of its citizens, though they have stopped short of announcing direct action.
Iranian leaders have rejected what they describe as interference in their internal affairs and have said they will not yield to external pressure. Relations between Iran and the United States remain strained, with years of sanctions and diplomatic disputes already weighing heavily on Iran’s economy.
Meanwhile, several countries, including India, have advised their citizens to avoid non essential travel to Iran until the situation stabilizes.
Observers say Iran is now dealing with a dual challenge. Deep economic distress is fueling public unrest at home, while sharp rhetoric from abroad is increasing international scrutiny. How the government responds in the coming weeks may determine whether the protests fade or grow into a wider political crisis.