Iran protests escalate amid economic collapse as tear gas fills Tehran streets; businesses shut down amid currency crisis
Mass protests swept Tehran on Dec. 29, 2025, as citizens protested an economic collapse marked by a plunging currency, soaring inflation and widespread business shutdowns; riot police reportedly used tear gas to disperse crowds, sources say.
- Large demonstrations took place in Tehran on Dec. 29, 2025, over economic conditions, according to RFE/RL.
- Security response: Riot police reportedly used tear gas to disperse crowds in parts of the capital, per RFE/RL.
- Economic drivers: A plunging currency and severe inflation have worsened living costs and fueled strikes and closures, documented by RFE/RL.
What happened in Tehran
On Monday, crowds gathered in central Tehran in demonstrations focused on economic grievances. According to reporting by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, riot police responded in parts of the capital with tear gas to break up gatherings.
Protesters called out against rising prices and the fall of the national currency, and many shops remained closed as strikes spread for a second day. The exact size of the demonstrations could not be independently confirmed at the time of reporting.
Economic drivers: Iran currency crisis and inflation
Economic hardship is at the heart of the unrest. RFE/RL reports that Iran’s currency reached record lows on foreign exchange markets in recent days, deepening public anger. The slump has pushed up prices for imported goods, food and medicine, eroding savings and pushing households toward strike action.
Energy shortages and disruptions have compounded daily hardships, further intensifying public frustration and prompting widespread closures and protests across commercial areas.
Business closures and strikes: disruption of commercial hubs
The unrest coincided with strikes and business closures across Tehran. RFE/RL documented businesses remaining shuttered for a second straight day, sharply reducing commercial activity in parts of the capital.
Social-media posts claimed closures at major hubs such as the Grand Bazaar and disruptions in other cities; those specific claims require further verification from independent on-the-ground reporters.
Geographic spread and reports from other cities
While Tehran was the focal point on Dec. 29, some online accounts suggest unrest spread to other cities, including Mashhad. Major international outlets confirmed widespread economic protests in Tehran, but detailed, independently verified reporting on clashes or mass actions elsewhere remained limited.
Journalists caution that local social-media posts can provide immediate views but are often difficult to verify without corroboration.
Security response and on-the-ground confrontations
Security forces used crowd-control measures — including tear gas — in parts of Tehran to clear demonstrators, RFE/RL reported. Some regional accounts and social posts described protesters pushing back in certain neighborhoods, but those detailed claims were not fully confirmed by independent sources at the time of reporting.
“The gap between immediate claims and verified facts is common in fast-moving events; multiple confirmed sources are needed before contested details are presented as established fact.”
International reaction and contested claims
The protests received attention abroad. Some international figures were reported to have called for action in support of protesters; individual statements circulating online have not all been independently verified. Given the political sensitivity, unverified external comments can complicate and potentially inflame the situation.
Reporting limits and verification
Available reporting confirms mass unrest in Tehran driven by economic hardship — including the use of tear gas and widespread business closures. However, several detailed claims circulating on social media and regional sites about specific chants, confirmed Grand Bazaar closures, unrest in Mashhad, and statements by international figures require additional independent verification.
Times Media Service will continue to seek on-the-ground confirmation and additional sources for follow-up reporting.
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic impact: Local businesses in Los Angeles with trade ties to Iran may see indirect effects if sanctions, trade flows or financial channels are further disrupted. Direct trade is limited by sanctions, but currency turmoil can affect specialty imports and commodity prices.
Political consequences: The large Iranian-American community in Los Angeles will closely watch developments; protests in Tehran can shape local political conversations, advocacy efforts and civic organizing.
Social effects: Families with relatives in Iran may face heightened anxiety over safety, communications and finances. Remittances or informal support networks could be strained by banking and currency disruptions.
Practical guidance: Residents with family in Iran should prepare for communication slowdowns, possible increases in remittance costs, and fluctuating exchange rates. Local consular and advocacy groups may offer updated guidance and support services.
Source
This report draws on available reporting from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty documenting mass protests, business closures and a currency crisis in Iran on Dec. 29, 2025. See full reporting.
Note
Note: Several detailed claims circulating on social media and in regional outlets about specific chants, confirmed Grand Bazaar closures, unrest in Mashhad, and statements by international figures require additional independent verification. Times Media Service will continue to pursue on-the-ground confirmation.
