- January 2, 2026
- 10:54 am
- Middle East
On December 30, 2025, an event occurred in the center of Tehran that is always perceived in Iran as an alarming signal: the trading stalls at the main bazaar closed. Almost immediately, a wave of mass protests swept across the country. The reason — an economic collapse, a rapid fall in the national currency’s exchange rate, and the feeling that the usual survival tools no longer work.
The discontent began with entrepreneurs. They were the first to feel the impact: the Iranian rial lost almost half of its value in a short time, and inflation, according to official data, reached 42.5%. Trade came to a halt, transactions lost their meaning, and the bazaar — a traditional indicator of stability — was effectively shut down from the economic life of the capital.
Students quickly joined the protests. The demonstrations spread beyond Tehran and engulfed other major cities. According to the Associated Press, by January 1, 2026, the death of at least seven people in four cities was confirmed. These events are already being called the largest unrest since the protests of 2022, which erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini.
The authorities’ response was ambiguous. On one hand, security measures were strengthened in Tehran, and the presence of law enforcement was increased. On the other hand, President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly declared his readiness to listen to the “legitimate demands” of citizens. However, simultaneously, Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned of harsh measures against any attempts at destabilization, leaving little doubt about the limits of permissible dialogue.
The reaction from abroad was not long in coming. Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, expressed support for the protesters through his own social platform, stating that the United States is ready to respond if the Iranian authorities resort to violence. This signal was addressed not only to Tehran but also to the US allies in the Middle East.
Reuters reminds us: in recent years, Iran has systematically suppressed protests caused by rising prices, economic pressure, and restrictions on rights. Sanctions imposed in connection with the nuclear program continue to stifle the economy, reducing the room for maneuver even for the regime’s loyal elites.
An additional backdrop is created by the recent military crisis. In June 2025, Iran was drawn into a 12-day war with Israel, which sharply worsened the country’s financial situation. Military expenses, logistical disruptions, and increased isolation accelerated the processes that had long been contained by administrative methods.
Today’s protests do not appear as a spontaneous outburst but as a result of accumulated pressure. The economy, foreign policy, and internal restrictions have converged at one point. The outcome of this story remains open, but the very fact of the closed Tehran bazaar speaks volumes.
Iran enters 2026 in a state where any decision — forceful or compromising — will have far-reaching consequences for the entire region. How the internal crisis in Tehran intertwines with international politics and Middle Eastern security is being closely monitored by NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency.
