New Wave of Protests Erupts Across Iran as Public Anger Boils Over

A new surge of anti‑government protests has broken out across Iran, marking the most significant unrest since the nationwide uprising that began in late 2025. Demonstrations have spread across multiple provinces, fueled by economic collapse, political repression, and public outrage over the government's continued use of lethal force against civilians.

Videos shared by activists show crowds gathering in major cities and smaller towns alike, chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and calling for an end to clerical rule. While internet access remains heavily restricted, enough footage has emerged to confirm that protests have reignited in Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, and several Kurdish regions.

Economic Crisis and Government Crackdowns Spark Renewed Anger

Iran's economy has continued to deteriorate, with inflation soaring, wages collapsing, and basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable. Many of the new demonstrations began as economic protests before quickly shifting into political demands.

Witnesses report that security forces have responded with the same tactics used during the deadly crackdown last year - including tear gas, beatings, mass arrests, and in some areas, live ammunition.

Human rights groups say dozens of protesters have been detained in the past week alone, though exact numbers remain difficult to verify due to government censorship.

Kurdish Regions Again See Heavy Clashes

As in previous waves of unrest, Kurdish-majority areas have seen some of the most intense confrontations. Activists report that security forces deployed armored vehicles and additional Revolutionary Guard units to cities such as Sanandaj and Mahabad.

Local sources say several neighborhoods were placed under near‑military lockdown after large crowds gathered to protest both economic conditions and the deaths of demonstrators in earlier crackdowns.

Students and Young Iranians Lead the Movement

University students have once again become a driving force behind the protests. Demonstrations were reported at campuses in Tehran, Tabriz, and Shiraz, where students chanted slogans demanding political freedom and an end to government corruption.

Young Iranians - many of whom have grown up under sanctions, unemployment, and strict social controls - continue to make up the core of the movement.

Government Blames "Foreign Enemies" as Pressure Mounts

Iranian officials have dismissed the protests as foreign‑backed unrest, accusing the United States, Israel, and Western intelligence agencies of fueling instability. State media has downplayed the size of the demonstrations, even as videos show crowds numbering in the thousands.

The government's narrative has done little to calm public anger. Many Iranians blame decades of mismanagement, corruption, and repression for the country's worsening crisis.

International Reaction Growing

The United States and several European governments have issued statements condemning Iran's use of force against protesters. Human rights organizations are calling for independent investigations into the deaths and arrests linked to the new wave of demonstrations.

Diplomatic pressure is expected to increase if the government escalates its crackdown, especially given the already high death toll from last year's protests.

A Movement That Refuses to Fade

Despite the risks, Iranians continue to take to the streets - a sign that the underlying grievances driving the unrest have not been resolved. With the economy in freefall and political tensions rising, analysts warn that the government may face sustained pressure in the months ahead.

For now, the protests show no sign of fading, and Iran once again finds itself at a pivotal moment as citizens demand change in the face of mounting repression.