Iranian President Urges Government to Address Protesters' "Legitimate" Demands

Protests Erupt in Tehran Over Rapid Decline of National Currency

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged the government to listen to the "legitimate demands" of protesters, vowing to protect their livelihoods. His statements come after two days of demonstrations in the capital, Tehran, against the rapid depreciation of the national currency and poor economic conditions. Pezeshkian acknowledged the protesters' concerns in a social media post, as shops were closed and citizens took to the streets starting Sunday.

“The livelihoods of the people are a daily concern for me,” Pezeshkian stated on X. “I have entrusted the Minister of Interior with the task of hearing the legitimate demands of the protesters through dialogue with their representatives, so that the government can act with all its power to resolve issues and respond responsibly.”

The protests in Tehran were sparked by a continuous decline of the Iranian rial, which has hit new historic lows against the US dollar. Additionally, inflation remains at approximately 50%, among the highest rates globally, while a controversial budget proposal anticipates a 62% increase in taxes.

Groups of merchants from key areas in Tehran, including near two major technology and mobile phone shopping centers, have closed their businesses and taken to the streets, continuing the protests into Monday afternoon. Social media footage shows demonstrators chanting: “Don’t be afraid, we are together.”

Security forces have intervened with tear gas to disperse crowds. While Iranian state media reported on the protests, it emphasized that they are driven by the uncontrolled depreciation of the rial, rather than a broader discontent with the theocratic regime in power since 1979.