Iran protests anger grows as crowds defy crackdown

Iran protests anger has surged across cities and towns since late December, with crowds calling for sweeping political change and defying tighter internet controls. Fresh chants, bazaar strikes and campus closures mark a new phase of dissent.

Iran protests anger: what is new

Demonstrations now span social groups and regions. Witness accounts describe larger, bolder gatherings in daylight. Protesters report speaking openly against the ruling establishment despite heightened risks.

What sparked the latest wave

A shopkeepers’ strike at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28, driven by a plunging currency, acted as the immediate trigger. Student protests followed, and authorities ordered universities shut, citing cold weather. The momentum then spread to smaller towns and western provinces.

Chants, demands and shifting tone

Slogans range from “Death to the Dictator” to calls for “Freedom, Freedom.” A notable addition is support for the return of monarchy, reflecting both anger and a search for alternatives. Several Iranians told reporters the mood differs from 2022, describing people as “more angry and determined now.”

Connectivity limits and information gaps

Independent reporting inside Iran remains restricted. Interviewees said authorities sharply curtailed internet access, complicating verification and coordination. Even so, videos online show significant crowds in Tehran and other cities.

How this compares with 2022

The 2022 protests began after the death of Mahsa Amini and were marked by grief and outrage over compulsory hijab rules. The new wave leans more on economic pain and political demands, while drawing in a broad cross-section of society.

What to watch next

Analysts are tracking strike activity, university reopenings, and any relaxation or escalation of internet controls. They are also monitoring whether demonstrations remain decentralised or evolve into more coordinated action at the national level.

A concise view of confirmed developments

Protests have grown since late December, sparked by economic strain and widening into broader political anger. New chants and bolder daytime rallies signal a harder edge, even as authorities restrict information flows.