Story perspectives

Iran Protests Surge Over Soaring Inflation and Currency Crisis

12/31/2025

Summary

Story summary

Protests in Iran continued on December 31, 2025, as demonstrators blamed the plummeting rial and inflation that reached approximately 50%.
Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned against escalating protests into violence, saying peaceful demonstrations were acceptable.
The government pledged to address concerns, with President Masoud Pezeshkian meeting labor leaders to discuss economic issues.
Abdolnasser Hemmati was appointed the new Central Bank governor to tackle inflation and stabilize the currency.

History

Historical Context

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, establishing the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Economic turmoil followed, with inflation peaking at 50% in the early 1980s, leading to widespread discontent. Today’s protests echo historical grievances over economic mismanagement, as the appointment of Abdolnasser Hemmati as Central Bank governor aims to stabilize the rial and restore public trust.

1 of 2

Story summary

Protests in Iran continued on December 31, 2025, as demonstrators blamed the plummeting rial and inflation that reached approximately 50%.
Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned against escalating protests into violence, saying peaceful demonstrations were acceptable.
The government pledged to address concerns, with President Masoud Pezeshkian meeting labor leaders to discuss economic issues.
Abdolnasser Hemmati was appointed the new Central Bank governor to tackle inflation and stabilize the currency.

1 / 2