Iran economy protests swell as Tehran riot police use tear gas, rial hits record low — strikes shut bazaars and spread to Mashhad
Mass protests erupted across Tehran and other Iranian cities beginning Dec. 29, 2025, as a collapsing economy and a record-low rial drove runaway prices; clashes with riot police, tear gas and nationwide strikes forced bazaars and many businesses to close.
Key takeaways
- Widespread protests and strikes: Demonstrations that began Dec. 29 spread across Tehran and to other cities, including Mashhad and Isfahan, with large market closures and walkouts. (Sources: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; Iran International)
- Currency and inflation spike: The Iranian rial hit a record low, worsening hyperinflation and driving many to the streets as costs for food, fuel and imports surged. (RFE/RL)
- Clashes with security forces: Tehran riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds while protesters chanted, pushed back in some areas and temporarily forced security withdrawals. (RFE/RL; Iran International)
- International attention: The unrest drew statements from foreign figures and concern from global media; diplomatic reactions added sensitivity to coverage. (Iran International; RFE/RL)
What happened: timeline and scenes on the streets
Dec. 29–30, 2025: Large crowds gathered in Tehran for a second straight day on Dec. 29 as many business owners closed shops in response to strikes and rising economic pressure. By Dec. 30 the protests and walkouts spread into more neighborhoods and to other cities, notably Mashhad and Isfahan, with public squares and bazaars affected.
Reporters collected images and eyewitness accounts showing demonstrators confronting security forces across multiple districts of Tehran. Riot police deployed tear gas to break up crowds and used other crowd-control measures; protesters chanted "Shameless! Shameless!" and in places forced security forces to pull back temporarily.
Economic triggers: currency, inflation and energy
Analysts and residents identify a sharp fall in the Iranian rial and runaway inflation as primary drivers of the unrest. The rial reached a record low in late December, intensifying a cost-of-living crisis as prices for food, fuel and imports soared and household purchasing power collapsed. (RFE/RL)
An ongoing energy crisis — frequent power and fuel shortages — further strained factories, shops and homes. These shortages coincided with strikes and broad market closures, leaving major bazaars largely shut as merchants joined national walkouts. (RFE/RL; Iran International)
Protest dynamics and responses by authorities
The protests have shown an unusual level of coordination between street demonstrators and striking workers. Protesters confronted security forces at market entrances and on main thoroughfares; Tehran riot police repeatedly used tear gas while protesters staged sustained resistance, at times prompting temporary security withdrawals before clashes resumed.
Eyewitnesses reported: chaotic street battles in several districts as merchants shut stalls, demonstrators pushed back police lines, and security forces sought to disperse crowds with tear gas and forceful tactics.
International attention and external voices
The unrest garnered international attention and commentary. Media coverage noted interventions by foreign figures — for example, public comments urging protesters to rise up — which heightened diplomatic sensitivities while international actors expressed concern about escalating violence and humanitarian consequences. (Iran International; RFE/RL)
Gaps, uncertainties and what to watch
Early reporting provided clear pictures of clashes and economic drivers, but many details remained uncertain: precise casualty and arrest counts, full geographic spread, and the government’s forthcoming economic or security measures. Journalists and analysts will watch for:
- Official statements from Iranian authorities outlining policy responses or stabilization plans.
- Any internet or communications disruptions that could limit reporting from inside Iran.
- Further spread of strikes to industrial centers and ports, which would deepen economic disruption.
Why this matters to readers in the Inland Empire, California
The Inland Empire is connected to global trade and immigrant communities; geopolitical shocks can ripple locally through energy prices, supply chains and diaspora ties. Local leaders, businesses and community groups may feel direct and indirect effects from sustained unrest in Iran.
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic impact
- Global oil and currency shocks: Escalation in Iran’s crisis could push energy prices higher, raising trucking and logistics costs that affect local retailers and manufacturers.
- Supply chains and imports: Widespread strikes or port disruptions could delay shipments of parts or goods used by small manufacturers and retailers in the region.
Political consequences
- Policy debates: Rising global energy costs may prompt renewed discussion of energy policy, infrastructure spending and support for small businesses at the local and state level.
- Community concerns: Elected officials may face pressure from immigrant communities to take stances on human rights and consular support.
Social effects
- Diaspora anxiety: Iranian and Persian-speaking residents may experience increased concern for relatives and seek community support, vigils or demonstrations.
- Civic engagement: Local forums and educational events may increase as civic groups respond to unfolding events abroad.
Cultural relevance
- Shared cultural ties: Reports of bazaars shutting in Tehran may resonate with local merchants and cultural organizations that value small marketplaces.
- Media and information: Ethnic and community media may amplify coverage and influence local discourse.
Practical applications for residents
- Businesses should monitor fuel and shipping costs and consider contingency plans for supply disruptions.
- Community groups serving Iranian and Middle Eastern residents should prepare to field information and mental-health support requests.
- Local media and civic leaders can offer forums explaining how international events might affect the local economy and daily life.
Sources and further reading
Reporting is ongoing. For original coverage and live reporting see:
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — “Iran protests: currency, inflation, businesses”
- Iran International live coverage — Iran unrest live blog (Dec. 28–30, 2025)
Note: Reporters continue to monitor developments inside Iran, the trajectory of the rial, the scope of strikes and the response of Tehran riot police and other security forces.
