Public anger over rising prices and the sharp fall of Iran’s currency spread beyond Tehran. Protests and strikes broke out in several cities as unrest entered a third day. What began as a local trade dispute turned into a wider movement. People now openly protest growing economic pressure.

Bazaar Strike Triggers Unrest

The protests began on Sunday. Shopkeepers at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar went on strike after the Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar on the open market.

Soon after, demonstrations appeared in Karaj, Hamedan, Qeshm, Malard, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, and Yazd. Videos online showed crowds gathering in public spaces. Police used tear gas in several cities to break up the protests.

Government Responds to Anger

The government said it “recognises the protests”. It said it would listen “with patience, even if it is confronted with harsh voices”.

President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke late on Monday. He said he had asked the interior minister to meet “representatives” of the protesters. He said the aim was “to resolve the problems and act responsibly”.

Pezeshkian also accepted the resignation of central bank governor Mohammadreza Farzin. He named former economy and finance minister Abdolnasser Hemmati as the new governor.

Students Join Street Protests

University students joined the demonstrations as anger widened. Many chanted anti-government slogans. They shouted “Death to the dictator”, referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Some protesters also voiced support for Iran’s former royal family. They chanted “Long live the Shah”, backing the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was removed in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Reza Pahlavi Voices Support

Reza Pahlavi, who lives in exile in the United States, reacted on X. He wrote, “I am with you. Victory is ours because our cause is just and because we are united.” He added, “As long as this regime remains in power, the country’s economic situation will continue to deteriorate.”

US Backs Protesters

The US State Department’s Persian-language account also responded on X. It said the US “praises their courage”. It added that Washington stands with people seeking “dignity and a better future” after years of failed policies and economic mismanagement.

Iran Raised in US-Israel Talks

Iran featured prominently during talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Monday. At a joint news conference, Trump avoided stating whether he supported regime change.

However, he pointed to Iran’s economic troubles. He said, “They’ve got a lot of problems: tremendous inflation, their economy is bust, their economy is no good, and I know people aren’t so happy.”