The rial's position deteriorates against the dollar, as people take to the streets of Iran; students also protest.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Protests in Iran against skyrocketing inflation and a declining economy have now spread to several universities. On Tuesday, students took to the streets alongside shopkeepers and market traders, prompting the government to offer dialogue for the first time. Under pressure from Western sanctions, the Iranian currency, the rial, is expected to lose nearly half its value against the dollar in 2025, while inflation reached 42.5 percent in December, according to government data. This economic crisis has once again fueled discontent in the country. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on the internet media that he had instructed the Interior Minister to listen to the protesters' legitimate demands. Government spokeswoman Fatema Mohajerani also acknowledged that the protests were a result of pressure on ordinary people's livelihoods and that dialogue would be facilitated.

Slogans echoed on the streets of Tehran

Verified videos showed people marching and chanting slogans in the streets of the capital, Tehran. Hundreds of students demonstrated at four of Tehran's universities. People also expressed support on internet media. Many users said inflation and corruption had driven public anger to a boiling point and warned that if the situation persisted, the protests could spread across the country.

Movements have been crushed harshly before.

Iran has previously witnessed large protests over issues such as the economy, drought, women's rights, and political freedom, which were harshly suppressed by security forces, leading to numerous arrests. However, the government has not yet clarified what form the dialogue will take this time. This protest is considered the first major mass movement since the US-Israeli attacks on Iran in June.

Iran reacts sharply to Trump's nuclear threat

Following US President Donald Trump's threat of military action over Iran's nuclear program, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said any aggressive move would be met with a strong and deterrent response. Pezeshkian's statement came a day after Trump hinted that the US could attack Iran if it resumed nuclear activities.

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