Key Takeaways
- Anti-government protests have been taking place in Iran for nearly two weeks, with dozens of people killed, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO).
- The protests began on December 28, with people demonstrating against the country’s deteriorating economic conditions, including rampant inflation and a shortage of basic goods.
- The protests have spread to over 100 cities across Iran, with people from all 31 provinces participating, and have morphed into more general protests against the regime.
- The protests have targeted economic infrastructure, including banks, as well as hospitals and mosques, with the mayor of Tehran claiming that 26 banks, two hospitals, and 25 mosques were targeted.
- The fact that shopkeepers and students, traditionally supportive of the Islamic Republic, were among the first protesters is significant, and suggests a broad-based and united movement.
Introduction to the Protests
The people of Iran have been taking part in anti-government protests for nearly two weeks, with the demonstrations showing no signs of slowing down. The protests, which began on December 28, were initially sparked by the country’s deteriorating economic conditions, including rampant inflation and a shortage of basic goods. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO), dozens of people have been killed in the protests, which have spread to over 100 cities across Iran.
The Spark that Ignited the Protests
The protests began when the owners of bazaars in Tehran took a stand against the rising prices of basic goods, such as cooking oil and chicken. The prices of these goods had dramatically spiked, with some products vanishing from shelves altogether. The country’s central bank had also ended a program that allowed some importers to access cheaper US dollars compared to the rest of the market, leading shopkeepers to increase prices and some to shutter their doors. This move initiated the demonstrations, which quickly spread across the city and eventually the country.
The Spread of the Protests
The protests have now spread to all 31 provinces of Iran, with people from all walks of life participating. The demonstrations have targeted economic infrastructure, including banks, as well as hospitals and mosques. The mayor of Tehran claimed that 26 banks, two hospitals, and 25 mosques were targeted by protesters, although this claim cannot be independently verified by CNN. The fact that the protests have spread so widely and quickly suggests a deep-seated discontent with the government and its economic policies.
The Significance of the Protesters
The fact that shopkeepers, known as bazaaris, were among the first protesters is significant, given that they are traditionally supportive of the Islamic Republic. Students were also among the initial wave of protesters, and their participation suggests that the protests are not just about economic grievances, but also about broader issues of freedom and democracy. The US State Department noted the significance of the protests, writing on social media: "First the bazaars. Then the students. Now the whole country. Iranians are united. Different lives, one demand: respect our voices and our rights."
The Broader Implications of the Protests
The protests in Iran have significant implications for the country and the region. The fact that the protests have spread so widely and quickly suggests that the government is facing a major crisis of legitimacy. The participation of shopkeepers and students, traditionally supportive of the government, suggests that the protests are not just about economic grievances, but also about broader issues of freedom and democracy. The international community will be watching the situation closely, and the US State Department’s statement suggests that the US is supportive of the protesters’ demands for respect and rights. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the protests in Iran will have far-reaching consequences for the country and the region.