Iranian Rial plummets, prices spiral out of control, government suppresses forcefully… Nationwide protests in Iran are intensifying.
(Background: Iranian Ministry of Defense: Accepting cryptocurrency payments for purchasing missiles, armed drones, missile ships…)
(Additional context: Iran’s inflation explodes—“35 years of devaluation by 20,000 times”—Central Bank governor resigns, citizens embrace Bitcoin and gold)

Table of Contents

• Economic Collapse Ignites Rage: Basic Goods Prices Surge Overnight
• Escalating Violence: Over Two Thousand Arrested, Dozens Killed
• Information Blockade and Exiled Prince’s Call
• International Attention: US Issues Strong Warning

Tehran, the capital of Iran, has recently seen the largest anti-government protests in recent years. Due to dissatisfaction with the collapse of the national currency, runaway inflation, and long-term government repression, the wave of demonstrations has quickly spread from the capital to multiple provinces across the country.

Iran is undergoing a revolution and perhaps the largest explicitly anti-Islamic regime protests in history. This is the capital Tehran.

Protesters are taking over cities across the country and the regime now faces a REAL chance of falling.

I ask again, why is the media silent? pic.twitter.com/dpHZcDaRxt

— Dr. Maalouf ‏ (@realMaalouf) January 9, 2026

Economic Collapse Ignites Rage: Basic Goods Prices Surge Overnight

The protests initially began last month, organized demonstrations initiated by merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and university students. The situation took a sharp turn after the Central Bank of Iran announced the removal of preferential exchange rates for some importers.

Because merchants had to pay higher costs to obtain foreign currency, prices for essential goods like cooking oil and chicken skyrocketed overnight, with some prices increasing by the hour. Many merchants, unable to bear the extreme price fluctuations and losses, chose to close their shops in protest. Analysts point out that traditionally pro-regime market traders are turning to protests, indicating that Iran’s economic pressure has reached a critical point.

A resident of Tehran said in an interview: “This protest is completely different from before. People’s purchasing power has completely collapsed. Nobody can afford anything anymore. Everyone feels extremely anxious and fearful.”

Escalating Violence: Over Two Thousand Arrested, Dozens Killed

According to the US-based “Human Rights Activists News Agency” (HRANA), the unrest triggered by economic dissatisfaction has evolved into an anti-establishment uprising. So far, at least 34 protesters and 4 security personnel have been killed, with over 2,200 protesters arrested.

Footage verified by CNN also shows multiple cities’ streets turning into battlegrounds:

• Tehran: Protesters burn debris to block traffic and confront security forces

• Mashhad: In the hometown of Supreme Leader Khamenei, protesters openly lower and tear down the Iranian flag

• Razavi Khorasan Province: Crowds gather in squares shouting “Khamenei must fall”

• Golosstan Province: Footage shows government office parks engulfed in flames

Information Blockade and Exiled Prince’s Call

To suppress the protests, Iranian authorities last night carried out large-scale internet shutdowns and cut phone lines. Reports from online monitoring organizations indicate communication disruptions across many parts of the country, raising concerns that this may be a prelude to larger-scale violent suppression. Despite official media attempts to downplay the events, leaked footage shows that public anger is hard to contain.

Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former king and an important opposition figure, publicly voiced his stance via social media. He called on the people to unite and launch a nationwide uprising, encouraging supporters to take to the streets. Reports indicate some protesters have begun chanting: “This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return.”

International Attention: US Issues Strong Warning

The international community is on high alert. US President Donald Trump issued a warning on Thursday, emphasizing that if Iranian security forces use force to kill protesters, the United States will take strong action and even launch attacks.

In the face of mounting pressure, the Iranian government has proposed a monthly cash subsidy of about 7 USD in an attempt to appease public discontent, but admits that such meager subsidies cannot solve the deep-rooted structural economic crisis. Currently, the world is watching closely as the region’s unrest could escalate at any moment.