Protests in Iran: “Don’t be afraid, we all stand together”

cross-posted from: https://news.abolish.capital/post/19040

Arbeit Zukunft | January 5, 2026 | Translated for the Red Phoenix by Misha G.– For days, people in Iran have been taking to the streets. Starting in Tehran, the protests have now spread throughout the country and mark the largest protest movement in Iran in recent years since the “Women, Life, Freedom” (Persian: zan, zendegi, azadi) protest movement in 2022.

Last Sunday (Jan 4) in Tehran, triggered by the sudden collapse of exchange rates, bazaar traders spontaneously took to the streets to protest price increases, inflation and the rising cost of living. “Don’t be afraid, we are all in this together!” they shouted, urging bystanders to join the protests. Now, people are taking to the streets daily in over 13 provinces and at least 22 cities, including not only traders but also other segments of the population. It’s not just students who have repeatedly called for demonstrations. Workers from oil refineries and factories in southern Iran, in particular, are participating in the protests through strikes, fighting against price increases and the privatization of profits.

The economic situation has long been a burden on the people of Iran; Western sanctions are hitting workers particularly hard, and experts are calling it the worst economic crisis in Iranian history. Last month alone, the rial lost almost 20 percent of its value, plummeting to a new record low on Sunday. One US dollar is now worth over 1,420,000 rials.

The head of the Iranian central bank subsequently resigned. What began as a protest against rising prices quickly transformed into a political protest. Read More ›

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