Protests Surge Across Iran Amid Economic Crisis as U.S. Voices Support
TEHRAN, Iran — Anti-government protests have erupted across Iran, fueled by a severe currency crisis and widespread economic hardship, as demonstrators confront security forces in multiple cities. The unrest, now entering its third consecutive day, has expanded beyond Tehran’s commercial hubs to universities and provincial centers, with videos showing protesters forcing security units to retreat from key streets.
President Donald Trump and senior U.S. officials have publicly expressed support for the Iranian demonstrators amid the turmoil, highlighting the country’s economic collapse and the regime’s harsh crackdown. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday, Trump refrained from calling for regime change but condemned the government’s violent response to peaceful protests. “They’ve got tremendous inflation. Their economy is busted, the economy is no good,” Trump said. “Every time they have a riot or somebody forms a group, little or big, they start shooting people.”
The opposition coalition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), operating in exile, reported widespread strikes and student protests at major universities including Tehran University, Sharif University of Technology, and Shahid Beheshti University. Security forces have tightened entry controls at campuses and reinforced offices linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, signaling the regime’s intent to suppress the unrest.
Protests have spread to Tehran’s Shoush and Molavi districts, as well as Isfahan’s iconic Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Parts of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and the gold market have shut down, with mobile phone traders gathering outside major shopping centers after closing their stores. Clashes between protesters and security forces have turned violent in several locations, with reports of tear gas deployed in Tehran and Malard and live fire incidents in Hamadan.
Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators chanting slogans such as “death to the dictator,” with nighttime protests reported from Qeshm Island in the south to Zanjan and Hamadan in the north. The widespread nature of the demonstrations illustrates the depth of public discontent amid Iran’s ongoing economic crisis.
The U.S. government’s vocal support for the protests aligns with broader American concerns about Iran’s domestic stability and regional behavior. The U.S. Department of State has previously condemned human rights abuses in Iran and called for respect for peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, the Central Intelligence Agency continues to monitor developments closely, assessing the potential impact on U.S. interests in the Middle East.
Trump’s administration has also coordinated with international partners to apply pressure on Tehran, emphasizing the consequences of continued repression and economic mismanagement. The ongoing unrest follows a pattern of anti-regime protests dating back several years, often sparked by economic grievances and political repression.
Despite the government’s efforts to quell the demonstrations, opposition groups remain emboldened. The NCRI has documented numerous clashes and called for sustained resistance against the ruling regime. The situation remains fluid, with security forces reportedly reinforcing their presence in key urban centers and university campuses.
As Iran grapples with a currency collapse that has eroded purchasing power and exacerbated inflation, the protests underscore the challenges facing the regime. The U.S. Department of the Treasury continues to enforce sanctions aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence, adding further strain to the country’s economy.
International observers warn that the unrest could intensify if economic conditions fail to improve and the government persists in using force against demonstrators. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the protests evolve into a broader movement for political change or are suppressed by state security forces.
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