Protests have long been a defining feature of Iranian political life. Iranians take to the streets regularly, demanding a better quality of life, economic reforms, and improvement of their social condition. These protests often turn bloody, with the beating, torturing, or killing of citizens in their thousands. Yet, Iranians have persisted, showing a resolve that demonstrates remarkable courage.

Economic grievances are the main cause for the current wave of unrest. Since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel ended in June 2025, Iran’s economy has been reeling, with its local currency free-falling (the Rial has lost more than 40% of its value) and inflation skyrocketing. Shopkeepers and merchants are at the protest movement’s forefront, considering that importing goods is becoming near impossible with the Rial’s collapse.

According to Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security........

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