Since the "12-day war" of Israel and the USA in June 2025, Iran has been a powder keg with unresolved political tensions, deepening economic turmoil, and rising domestic dissent. With the start of 2026, the keg has exploded. Protests have started in some 32 cities and larger towns throughout the country.
The protests have focused on economic issues, symbolized by the sharp collapse of the value of the national money, the rial, and the inflation exceeding 40 percent. These dynamics have turned the "bazaaris" - the merchants - traditionally a more conservative social group, into key initiators of protests. Economic hardship has become a daily experience for a wide segment of the population.
The government has promised economic reforms, but there is no protest leadership with whom to negotiate. The security forces have increased repression. Funerals for protesters killed have become occasions for additional protests. The number of persons arrested has increased considerably.
It is important that the Iranian authorities know that many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in different parts of the world are concerned and support non-violent efforts for economic justice.
René Wadlow, Association of World Citizens
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