Iran is currently experiencing widespread anti-government protests, now entering their fourth day, fueled by a severe economic crisis and a dramatic decline in living standards. Textile merchant Alborz from Isfahan, emblematic of many disillusioned citizens, closed his shop to join merchants across the nation who have shuttered their businesses. Concurrently, students have taken over university campuses, all united in protest against the crippling economic conditions that have drastically eroded purchasing power.

The immediate trigger for this surge in public unrest was the unprecedented depreciation of Iran's national currency, the rial. On Sunday, the Iranian rial plunged to a historic low of 1.42 million to the US dollar, marking a staggering more than 56% decrease in its value within just six months. This currency collapse has inevitably led to soaring inflation, with food prices, for example, witnessing an average increase of 72% compared to the previous year. The already struggling economy is further exacerbated by some of the world’s most intense sanctions, which hinder the country's access to frozen funds abroad and foreign exchange, a situation worsened by an increasing reliance on imports.

While initially rooted in economic grievances, the protests have quickly broadened to encompass deep-seated frustrations with the Iranian government's governance. Demonstrators are increasingly heard chanting potent anti-government slogans such as “death to the dictator” and “woman, life, freedom,” echoing sentiments from the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. These slogans, previously associated with significant political activism, now carry an increased risk of severe state reprisal, including imprisonment. Protesters like Alborz articulate a profound sense of betrayal and a definitive desire for regime change, stating, “For years now, we have slowly but surely made significant changes to our lifestyles because of this corrupt government. This was the last nail in the coffin. We wanted this regime gone and now there’s no way this regime will continue.”

The government, still reeling from a 12-day war with Israel in June that reportedly shook its foundations, has attempted to address the crisis by calling for dialogue with protest leaders. President Masoud Pezeshkian urged the government to heed the "legitimate demands" of the protesters. However, this offer has been met with profound skepticism and distrust from activists like Farhad, a 19-year-old university student. Protesters view such overtures as an attempt to co-opt their demands and dissipate the momentum of the movement. Their distrust is compounded by ongoing reports of security services confiscating student IDs, beating, and arresting demonstrators, as well as the use of teargas and metal pellets against crowds, actions they contend contradict any genuine desire for dialogue.

Adding another layer of complexity, Iran faces renewed external pressures simultaneously with the internal unrest. US President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of striking Iran again, citing potential renewed nuclear activity, though Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and denies enriching uranium. Internally, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) issued a statement asserting its resolve to confront any "sedition, unrest," or security threats, attributing the current turmoil to "enemies" seeking to sow discord through "cognitive warfare, psychological operations, falsified narratives, fear-mongering and encouragement of capitulation."

Despite the heightened intimidation from authorities and the dual challenge of internal and external pressures, the protesters remain unbowed. They express a firm resolve to continue their demonstrations, with expectations that trade unions will soon join the striking merchants. Alborz encapsulated this defiance, recounting, “Yesterday, we blocked roads and stopped the security forces from advancing. People sat on the roads and chanted that they could kill us, but we wouldn’t let them pass. We are not going to open shops until the regime weakens further,” underscoring the unwavering commitment to their cause and the demand for democracy and an end to the current regime.