TEHRAN: The latest escalation of tensions and massive civilian protest against the autocratic rule of Iran is flaring beyond the capital city of Tehran. The massive resistance and retaliation against the theocracy of Tehran has left seven dead. What began as a minor protest in the market streets of Tehran against the plummeting value of the rial currency against the US dollar, has swiftly spiralled into a mounting protest against the iron fist of the autocracy with citizens crowing the slogans such as “Mullahs Must Leave”, “Death to the Dictator”, “Death to Khamenei”, “Shame on You, Shame on You”.
December 31—Hamadan, western Iran
People took to the streets and clashed with repressive security forces. Residents voiced anger over injustice and demanded accountability as economic conditions continue to worsen.
Protesters chanted "Down with the dictator" and "Down with… pic.twitter.com/nSx0feWgBe— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 31, 2025
The massive currency collapse acted as a trigger to catalyse a massive protest which was apparently brewing in the streets and souls of the Iranians for years against the authoritarian rule of the Khamenei which was characterised by unrectifiable currency collapse followed by inflation and cost of living crisis, iron fist of the autocracy that had curbed the women rights and liberty, soaring unemployment, administrative red tapism etc. This protest is considered a major resistance and retaliation against the autocracy in Tehran since 2022, when a massive uprising had erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was in police custody for not wearing the veil properly. She was arrested for moral policing.
Protests in Iran continue to spread across several cities on their fourth day, with universities and additional workers' unions joining the demonstrations. In the southern city of Fasa, initial reports of protestors seizing control of the governor's building following the retreat… pic.twitter.com/W1Kgy5zaVn
— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) December 31, 2025
The timeline of the latest protest spiralling from Tehran to rural areas
- Protests erupted on Sunday, December 28, on the market streets of Tehran as people were unable to bear the cost of living crisis, with the rial’s value against the US dollar depleting. Currently, one dollar is worth 1.4 million rials.
- On December 29, the Iranian Truck Drivers Union and shopkeepers launched a protest, unable to cope with the fomenting economic crisis.
- The fire of protest ignited in Tehran gradually flared the sparks to other parts of the country, including Alborz, Kermanshah, Markazi, Hamedan, Shiraz, Fasa and Esfahan.
- On December 30, University students and merchants joined the protests against the autocratic rule. Merchants asserted that they are unable to bear the financial loss and the students are suffering from unemployment cliff, administrative mismanagement etc.
- On December 31, the government suddenly declared 21 days public holiday to curb the protests.
With spiking government control and suppression, the clashes further erupt in various provinces and violent face-off with the security forces are witnessed. - By January 2, protests had spread even to the hinterlands and rural areas of the country such as Lorestan, Chaharmahal and Bhaktiari.
- By January 2, 7 people have been killed across provinces and the security personnel have arrested more than 20 people and have detained many pistols.
The protests are thus being embroiled beyond the control of the Khamenei regime with escalating tensions and reluctance of the people to heed the demands of the theocracy. The Azna and Lorestan provinces are emerging as hotspots of the unrest, where security and civilian encounters are out of control. In Kouhdassht, a 21-year-old volunteer from the Revolutionary Guards Basij Force died during the face-off with the police forces. The state security wing has also arrested many other members. Though the authorities have ordered a 21 day shutdown for universities, markets, government offices and other public spaces in 21 out of the 31 provinces of the country, yet the protests are spiralling beyond control.
As the unrest escalates, the 86-year-old supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is under intense pressure. He is avoiding the risk of making any stringent decisions, as the economy is in a deep crisis. Meanwhile, he also suffers from a weak military apparatus, making it difficult to suppress the civil uprising effectively. The escalation is to an intense extent that the protestors even attacked and damaged the Governor’s office.
December 31—Fasa, southern Iran
Security forces open fire on unarmed protesters who had gathered in front of the governorate.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/77XsIIfD5k— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 31, 2025
Meanwhile, the advocates of freedom and those who are against the autocracy in Iran have called for more protests and resistance against the regime to achieve the goal of Iranian freedom and progress. Reza Pahlavi, an advocate of Iranian freedom and women’s rights, wrote that as protests erupt in Iran on the eve of the New Year, the dawn of a new era marks a turning point for Iran. “My brave compatriots are on the streets in cities and towns across our country—fighting for their freedom, risking their lives. The current regime has reached the end of the road. It stands at its most fragile: weak, deeply divided, and unable to suppress the courage of a rising nation. The growing protests show this year will be the definitive moment for change”, he further exclaimed, criticising the atrocities of the theocratic rule.
Reza Pahlavi further urged the international community to stand with the Iranian people in their relentless effort to end the “terror regime” and establish peace in the Middle East. He reiterated the need to strive for a new and democratic Iran, which will be marked by security and prosperity. “The tide of history is turning. I invite you not only to witness the birth of a new Iran, but to stand by our side as we achieve it and to work with us to build a legacy of lasting peace”, he asserted.
The response from the regime
Apart from launching a crackdown and face-off with the protestors, the Khamenei regime has initiated a series of measures to pacify the protestors. President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the legitimate demands of the people will be addressed. However, any attempt to destabilise the regime will be dealt with a decisive response, the authorities also warned. To curb the protests and instill confidence in the public about rectifying the economic crisis , President Pezeshkian appointed former Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati, as the head of the Central Bank. However, experts opine that the situation is extremely complex and achieving economic stability is a herculean task.
The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Iranian Revolutionary Guards(IRC) Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as deputy commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guards with an intention to tighten the security, curb the protests and take the escalating security crisis under control. Will these security and economic measures articulated by the autocratic regime yield results in stabilising the country and consolidating the power? Will it fulfill the demands of the frustrated Iranians who are entangled in an economic crisis, curbed liberty under the authoritarian regime? Or will the protests spike to a greater extent that will completely dismantle the rule of the Mullahs and lead to a new and democratic Iran? Ultimately, what will be the impact of the Iranian crisis on a hitherto fragile, destabilised and jeopardized geopolitical latitude of the Middle East which is burning amidst wars and security crisis? The answers are indeed a geopolitical riddle!
