Khameneh-ai faces growing protests across Iran, discontent over inflation

Tehran, 03 January (Agency). The series of anti-government protests in Iran is gaining momentum due to widespread public discontent caused by the economic crisis, international sanctions, and rising inflation. The country's escalating economic crisis has further worsened the situation. The protests, which began on 28 December, are gaining strength in various parts of the country, including the capital Tehran, on Friday.

According to the media group Iran International, after two days of calm in the Iranian capital, protesters took to the streets in the eastern and western districts of Tehran on Friday night. Similar protests also took place in the holy cities of Mashhad and Qom. In Zahedan, a city in the country's turbulent southeastern region, protesters took to the streets after Friday prayers and chanted slogans against the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Notably, this city was a major hub for large-scale protests in 2022, where protests are once again on the rise. Widespread protests are ongoing in several cities, including Mashhad, Zahedan, Qazvin, Hamedan, and Tehran, where security forces have resorted to violence and a significant number of protesters have been arrested.

The protesters, demanding an end to the rule of hardline clerics, are targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A large segment of the protesters is demanding the transfer of power to Reza Pahlavi. So far, the protests have spread to 46 cities in 22 provinces of the country. The movement includes students from approximately 10 universities, including Tehran, Yazd, and Zanjan. A large number of merchants are also participating, who have closed their shops and institutions to support the movement.

Iran International, citing human rights groups, reported that at least seven protesters have been killed and more than 30 injured so far. Since the protests began on 28 December, at least 119 protesters have been arrested. Amid the large-scale protests, the value of Iran's currency has hit a record low. According to government statistics, inflation reached 42.2% in December. Food prices have increased by 72% compared to last year, while health and medical products have become 50% more expensive, fueling growing unrest among the public.

As protests continue in Iran, US President Donald Trump warned on Friday that if Iran shoots and kills peaceful protesters with violence, the US will come to their aid. In a post on the media platform Truth Social, he said they are fully prepared for action. Iran has responded to Trump's threat of targeting its bases in the event of a US attack. The speaker of Iran's parliament said on Friday that if the US takes aggressive action, its military bases will be considered legitimate targets.

The US had attacked Iranian military bases and nuclear facilities in June last year. The US had also been involved in a 12-day war between Iran and Israel. In response, Iran had also targeted US bases.