Galloping inflation and a currency crisis have provoked demonstrations across the country. Protests fueled by deepening economic hardship have swept Iran for more than a week, as soaring inflation has driven frustrated traders and university students into the streets of major cities, including the capital, Tehran.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last shah of Iran, thanked President Donald Trump for his "support" of Iranian protesters.

The first comments by 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei come as violence surrounding the demonstrations sparked by Iran's ailing economy has killed at least 10 people.

Trump threatens U.S. intervention if Iran violently suppresses ongoing protests, escalating tensions after last year's 12-day war between Israel and Iran.

U.S. sanctions on Iran have taken a heavy toll on the country’s economy, contributing to the current protest movement.

Iran is experiencing a countrywide shutdown triggered by intensifying protests and a deepening political and economic crisis. This government-ordered shutdown has impacted businesses, educational institutions,

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that grievances behind nationwide protests were justified, but accused external forces of inciting the unrest and vowed to crack down on rioters.

Iran’s exiled opposition leader, Reza Pahlavi, his issued a New Year's message to his compatriots that “the current regime has reached the end of the road" in comments that come as protests in the country have escalated and turned fatal.

The son of a British woman detained with her husband in Iran has handed in a 70,000-signature petition to Downing Street, calling on the government to do more to free them. Lindsay and Craig Foreman were taken into custody in January 2025 during a world motorcycle tour.