According to Reuters, at least 16 people have been killed and hundreds arrested during a week of protests across Iran. The protests began due to rising inflation and the rial (Iran’s national currency) losing more than half its value, causing economic hardship for many people.
The protests started among bazaar traders and shop owners and later spread to university students and provincial cities. Clashes have been reported in Tehran, western provinces, southern Baluchistan, and the religious center of Qom.
Authorities responded in two ways: offering dialogue on one hand, while police arrested protest leaders and suppressed some demonstrations by force on the other. Some people were killed in incidents involving explosive devices.
International attention has also increased. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was ready to help protesters, prompting threats from Iranian officials. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said authorities were ready to talk to protesters but “rioters should be stopped.”
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