The Iranian or the Iran protest has turned into a crisis where every news headline illustrates the seriousness of the situation. Although the protest erupted in late 2025, its progress in January 2026 showcases the economic desperation and the grudges of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.
Why is a Protest Erupting in Iran?
The anti-government protest in Iran has been continuing for more than 13 days now, defying all the challenges and authorities’ attempts to halt it. Notably, the authorities have cut off internet access and telephone lines since Thursday, but the protest is turning wilder day by day.
Reports from the BBC, CNN, and other reliable sources reveal that rampant inflation is the primary reason behind the Iranian protests. The protesters started with a demonstration in the Tehran bazaars, questioning the overnight spike in the prices of the basic goods.
Key Triggers of the Iran Protest
At the time, the Iranian protests had taken the form of a wildfire, gaining worldwide attention. Here’s what led to this situation.
Collapse of the Iranian Rial
The Iranian currency rial has hit a record low of ~1.4 million per US dollar. This coincides with the inflation rising 50%, food prices rising 70% YoY, and declining wages.
This decline is the result of the 12-day direct conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025. The geopolitical concern and the US’s strike on the nuclear facilities, along with the reimposition of UN sanctions, crippled the nation’s oil revenue, impacting Rial’s valuation.
Legacy of “Woman, Life, Freedom”
The January 2026 protest is also seeing the aftereffects of the 2022 protest, when Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who lost her life in the custody of the religious police for alleged hijab violation in 2022.
The event prompted the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests. The ongoing protest also has women continuing their battle. A trend of Iranian women lighting cigarettes from burning photos of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also emerged.
Source: India Today
The demand for bodily autonomy for women, an end to compulsory hijab laws, and broader democratic reforms remains the same.
Regime Change Slogans
On an initial level, symbolically powerful slogans “Woman, Life, Freedom,” echoed on the roads; the focus soon shifted to the end of the Islamic Republic. Reuters reported chants praising the former monarchy.
Not only that, but the demand for the return of the crown prince Reza-Pahlavi was also made.
Death and Other Casualties of the Iran Protest
Reports suggest that the ongoing protest in the country is the biggest in scale since 2022. This time, people from more than 31 provinces and 110 cities are already participating in the demonstrations.
Indian Today reports that since 28 December, 50 protestors (including seven children) and 16 security personnel have been killed. Additionally, more than 2,300 individuals have been detained.
The conflict has also gained attention worldwide, where U.S President Donald Trump has warned Tehran of severe consequences if they kill protesters.
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