Iranians protest for 12th day as Kurdish opposition calls for general strike • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Protests in Iran (December 2023 - Present): Current wave of demonstrations sparked by economic grievances and political discontent.
• Hyperinflation: Rapid and excessive increase in prices, significantly eroding purchasing power.
• Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei): The highest political and religious authority in Iran, often the target of protest slogans.
• Tran Bazaar: Location where initial clashes began, holding symbolic importance.
• Energy Industry Strike: Participation of workers at the world’s largest gas field, indicating widespread discontent.
• Masar Mini: Woman whose death in 2022 triggered previous, larger protests.

Current Protests and Economic Grievances

Protests are occurring throughout Iran, including the northern regions, mirroring scenes from the 2022 demonstrations following the death of Masar Mini while in police custody. While currently smaller in scale than the 2022 protests, these demonstrations demonstrate resilience despite ongoing crackdowns by authorities. Since the clashes began on December 28th in the Tran Bazaar, dozens have reportedly died. The location of the initial clashes in the Tran Bazaar is significant, suggesting a deliberate targeting of a central commercial and potentially symbolic location.

The core driver of these protests is widespread economic hardship, specifically hyperinflation. Demonstrators are voicing frustration with the Iranian regime’s perceived inability to effectively manage the economic crisis. The primary demographic participating in the protests appears to be the working class, who are disproportionately affected by the rising cost of living.

Impact of Hyperinflation on Daily Life

The severity of the economic situation is illustrated through the experiences of ordinary citizens. A shopkeeper in Tran reports a significant decline in customer traffic due to soaring prices. An electrician, whose identity is being protected, exemplifies the financial strain on families. He states that purchasing basic necessities like eggs and meat has become a luxury, often requiring him to take out loans. He notes the practical difficulty of handling transactions due to the large amounts of currency needed, frequently relying on credit cards to avoid carrying “bags full of change.” He explicitly states, “Buying eggs or mate has become a luxury for him. We can no longer eat our film. If I want to buy meat, I have to take out a loan.” and “It’s not worth it anymore.”

The electrician’s testimony highlights a fourfold increase in grocery prices compared to the previous year, demonstrating the rapid acceleration of inflation and its direct impact on household budgets. This situation is leading to widespread despair and a feeling of economic hopelessness.

Political Dimensions and Government Response

Protest slogans consistently call for the overthrow of the regime, with the chant “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei” – a direct reference to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – being frequently heard. This indicates a growing level of political opposition and a direct challenge to the authority of the Supreme Leader.

Notably, even workers in the energy industry, specifically at the world’s largest gas field, have joined the strikes. This is a significant development, as it suggests a broadening of the protest movement beyond traditional activist groups and into strategically important sectors of the economy.

The Iranian President has issued an order to the police to refrain from attacking demonstrators, suggesting an attempt to de-escalate the situation. However, the protests continue despite this directive.

External Pressure

Iran is currently facing pressure from both internal unrest and external sources, specifically the United States. The extent of US involvement or specific pressures exerted are not detailed in this excerpt, but the statement acknowledges the existence of external factors influencing the situation.

Conclusion

The current protests in Iran are a direct consequence of severe economic hardship, particularly hyperinflation, and a growing dissatisfaction with the political leadership. The participation of workers in key industries like energy signals a potentially escalating crisis. While the government has attempted some measures to quell the unrest, the protests persist, fueled by economic desperation and political opposition. The situation remains volatile, with both internal and external pressures contributing to the ongoing instability.