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December 31, 2025 – Iran/USA –
Iran is undergoing some of its most significant social unrest in years, driven largely by economic hardship and deepening public frustration, according to Iranian-American journalist and author Hooman Majd, who offered contextual analysis for NPR and WSIU on December 31, 2025. Speaking from his experience and contacts within Iran, Majd characterised the past year as extremely difficult for ordinary Iranians, noting that rapid currency depreciation and economic uncertainty have fueled widespread dissatisfaction that now manifests in persistent, multi-city protests.
Majd explained that a series of economic shocks—starting with high inflation and compounded by geopolitical tensions and war—have drastically reduced the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. The Iranian rial’s value has plunged nearly 40 percent, making everyday essentials increasingly unaffordable, which Majd identified as the primary driver of demonstrations. He emphasised that most people in Iran are more motivated by economic grievances than by demands for political reform, saying that frustration with the cost of living outweighs other concerns.
The protests, which have involved thousands of demonstrators across major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad, initially began with local shopkeepers and traders but quickly drew in students and other sectors of society. Workers have expressed anger over inflation and stagnant wages, and business closures as a result of economic strain have added to the public’s discontent. Iranian authorities have responded with crowd control measures such as tear gas and have implemented actions such as temporary closures of government offices and public institutions, often attributing these moves to unrelated issues like cold weather.
While the Iranian government acknowledges economic challenges, responses have been mixed. The central bank governor resigned amid the turmoil in an effort to stabilise the economy, but policymakers remain under pressure as the rial continues to fluctuate. President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for the regime to heed “legitimate demands” from protesters, but security forces have also signalled a willingness to suppress unrest to maintain order.
Majd’s commentary highlights the complexity of Iran’s protest movement: although rooted in economic struggles, the unrest reflects broader societal tensions that intersect with long-term grievances about governance, transparency, and prospects for ordinary Iranians. The journalist emphasised that the mood among many in Iran is one of deep dissatisfaction with deteriorating living conditions, a sentiment that continues to sustain demonstrations despite the risks involved in public dissent.
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