Recent protests in Iran, sparked by economic grievances, have escalated into widespread unrest met with forceful government repression. Beginning on December 28, 2025, demonstrations initially involved merchants and bazaar workers protesting new budgetary measures announced by President Masoud Pezeshkian. The movement quickly broadened in January, reaching a peak around January 8th, before a government-imposed internet blackout significantly hampered information flow. The scale and cross-sectoral nature of these protests, coupled with reports of significant casualties, signal a deepening crisis within the Islamic Republic. Understanding the current wave of protests requires examining its roots in economic hardship, its comparison to previous periods of unrest, and the influence of regional and global political dynamics.
The initial trigger for the protests was the unveiling of a new national budget by President Pezeshkian. While details of the budget remain closely guarded by the government, reports suggest the measures included cuts to subsidies and increased taxes, impacting the livelihoods of many Iranians already struggling with high inflation and economic stagnation. Yassamine Mather, writing in Counterpunch, details the severe economic pressures facing Iran, arguing that these conditions are a key driver of the current unrest. The protests quickly expanded beyond economic demands, reflecting broader discontent with the political system and social restrictions.
A History of Unrest: Comparing Waves of Protest
Iran has experienced several significant periods of protest in recent years, most notably the widespread demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. While the current protests share some similarities with previous movements – including demands for greater freedoms and economic justice – experts suggest key differences exist. Maziyar Ghiabi, an associate professor at the University of Exeter, and others participating in a recent MERIP Roundtable discussion, noted the current protests’ broader base of support, extending beyond student activists and women’s rights groups to include significant participation from the working class and bazaar merchants. This wider participation presents a new challenge to the government.
The government’s response has also been markedly harsh. Reports indicate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated militias have engaged in widespread crackdowns, including the use of lethal force against protesters. Thousands are reported to have been arrested, and You’ll see credible reports of summary executions, though verifying precise numbers remains difficult due to the internet blackout and restricted access for independent observers. The severity of the repression echoes tactics employed during previous uprisings, but the scale of the current crackdown appears to be escalating.
The Role of Regional and Global Politics
The protests are unfolding against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and ongoing international sanctions. The relationship between Iran and Israel remains volatile, as highlighted in a recent roundtable discussion in Jadaliyya examining the aftermath of a recent attack. These tensions, coupled with the ongoing impact of international sanctions, contribute to Iran’s economic woes and fuel public discontent.
the geopolitical landscape is shifting. The war in Ukraine and broader global economic instability have exacerbated Iran’s economic challenges. Asma Abdi, an ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Exeter, has written extensively on the impact of sanctions on Iran, particularly on women and marginalized communities, arguing that these policies often exacerbate existing inequalities. Her research highlights the complex interplay between economic pressures, political repression, and social unrest in Iran.
The international response to the protests has been muted. While some Western governments have expressed concern over the violence and called for restraint, concrete action has been limited. Some analysts suggest a reluctance to intervene too forcefully, fearing further destabilization of the region. Others point to a sense of disillusionment with the Iranian opposition, stemming from past failures to achieve meaningful change. Gal Beckerman, writing in The Atlantic, explored the perceived silence of the left regarding the situation in Iran.
Here is an embed of the MERIP Roundtable discussion on the protests:
Looking Ahead: A Precarious Situation
As of January 21, 2026, the situation in Iran remains highly volatile. The government’s internet blackout continues to impede the flow of information, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the protests and the government’s response. Still, reports suggest that despite the repression, pockets of resistance persist across the country. Arang Keshavarzian, writing in Equator, argues that the current unrest is “an explosion long in the making,” rooted in decades of economic mismanagement and political repression. Naghmeh Sohrabi, also writing for Equator, shares messages from Iranians expressing their desperation and determination for change.
The next key development to watch will be the government’s handling of the economic situation. Any further attempts to impose austerity measures or raise taxes are likely to trigger renewed protests. The international community’s response, or lack thereof, will also be crucial in shaping the trajectory of the crisis. The situation remains deeply precarious, with the potential for further escalation and violence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional impact of events in Iran, resources are available. You can find support and information from organizations like Amnesty International (https://www.amnesty.org/) and Human Rights Watch (https://www.hrw.org/).
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