Protests across Iran over economic crisis as officials warn of foreign-backed unrest

Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
3h ago
Protests continued across Iran over a spiralling economic crisis as senior officials warned of action and accused unrest instigators of working with the United States and Israel.
Protests across Iran over economic crisis as officials warn of foreign-backed unrest
A What happened
Protesters took to the streets in cities across Iran over a spiralling economic crisis, including in Tehran, Borujerd, Arsanjan and Gilan-e Gharb. In Tehran, protesters lit fires, and footage from Shiraz showed security forces driving over a protest barrier reading “We revolt due to hunger”. Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said there would be no leniency for people who create insecurity or support riots and said they are operating in line with enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Rights activists reported at least 36 deaths and more than 2,000 arrests, and Al Jazeera said it was unable to verify the figures.

Key insights

  • 1

    Iranian judiciary framed protests as enemy-backed insecurity: Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said there would be no leniency for people who create insecurity or support riots and said they are operating in line with enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

  • 2

    Iranian military leadership warned of preemptive action and heightened readiness: Major-General Amir Hatami said Iran would “cut off the hand of any aggressor”, threatened preemptive military action over rhetoric targeting Iran, and said armed forces readiness is greater than before the war.

  • 3

    Soufan Center linked protests to economic conditions and repression: The Soufan Center said more than a week of protests reflects worsening economic conditions and longstanding anger at government repression and regime policies that have led to Iran’s global isolation.

Takeaways

Nationwide protests continued into a second week as Iranian leaders issued warnings, foreign leaders voiced support or threats, and the government introduced a small monthly subsidy for basic food costs.

Topics

Business & Markets Economy World & Politics Conflicts Security & Defense Human Rights

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