Story perspectives

Iran Protests Surge: Merchants Fight Economic Mismanagement

1/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Protests in Iran have escalated as bazaar merchants protest economic mismanagement and corruption, beginning in late December 2025 after the rial declined by nearly half.
Merchants, once influential, now feel marginalized as the Revolutionary Guards dominate the economy.
Protesters have challenged the clerical leadership, chanting anti-government slogans and facing crackdowns.
Officials blame external enemies for the unrest.
Human rights groups report over 500 deaths and thousands of arrests.

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Story summary

Protests in Iran have escalated as bazaar merchants protest economic mismanagement and corruption, beginning in late December 2025 after the rial declined by nearly half.
Merchants, once influential, now feel marginalized as the Revolutionary Guards dominate the economy.
Protesters have challenged the clerical leadership, chanting anti-government slogans and facing crackdowns.
Officials blame external enemies for the unrest.
Human rights groups report over 500 deaths and thousands of arrests.