January 10th, 2026 - Inside Iran's Unrest: How a Collapsing Currency Sparked Widespread Protests

In the midst of rising protests across Iran, Saeed, a tech entrepreneur from Tehran, was prepared for the unrest. For months, he had felt the weight of economic collapse and the looming threat of further conflict, especially after Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites. He had spent sleepless nights worrying about his family's future and was deeply frustrated by the government's failure to address the nation's problems. His decision to join the protests, even before they fully escalated, came from his exhaustion with the regime's corruption and mismanagement.

The protests erupted on December 28 when Iran’s currency, the rial, dropped to a historic low. This triggered a wave of protests, particularly in Tehran's bazaars, which are both economically and symbolically significant in the country. Shopkeepers and merchants joined forces, striking and taking to the streets. Video footage verified by The New York Times from that day shows protesters chanting and marching, signaling the growing discontent among ordinary Iranians.

Over the next two weeks, the protests spread from the capital to major cities and rural areas, with growing anger over the economic crisis, inflation, and government corruption. Unlike previous protests, which were largely confined to the urban middle class or students, these demonstrations have drawn a broader segment of the population, including the impoverished working class. The protests have been more intense, as people demand an end to the Islamic Republic's nearly five-decade rule.

Despite the growing unrest, the Iranian government has responded with force, using tear gas, batons, and even live ammunition to suppress the demonstrations. Several protesters have been killed, with security forces increasingly brutal in their crackdown. Authorities have arrested thousands, and the regime has escalated its rhetoric, with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowing not to back down in the face of what he called "rioters."

The protests have become a symbol of defiance against the regime, with chants like "Death to the dictator" and calls for the return of the Pahlavi monarchy. These bold demands, however, have led to a severe response from the government, including mass arrests and targeted violence against protesters. The crackdown has included the storming of hospitals, where wounded protesters were seeking treatment, which has only further angered the public.

Amid the crackdown, Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has tried to respond with empathy, acknowledging the pain felt by many Iranians and offering small financial incentives. However, these gestures have not been enough to quell the protests, and the situation continues to deteriorate. Many protesters believe that the regime's economic mismanagement and failure to address the needs of the people have pushed the country to the brink of collapse.

As the unrest continues, the government's response is becoming more severe. Tehran has imposed widespread internet blackouts, and the prosecutor has warned that "terrorists" involved in the unrest could face the death penalty. While the regime continues to suppress dissent, the protests show no signs of stopping, with many Iranians questioning whether a revolution is possible without risking everything.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Collude (verb, kuh-LOOD) - To collude is to work with others secretly especially in order to do something illegal or dishonest. Collude is used as a synonym of conspire and plot.

Example: She is accused of colluding with known criminals.

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