NEWS CENTER – Due to the deepening economic crisis and rising currency exchange rates in Iran, citizens have launched protests in many locations, primarily on Republic Avenue in Tehran.

 

The newly designed “Emami” gold coin reached approximately 169 million tomans, while the dollar surged above 144 thousand tomans in the free market. By December 29, the pound traded around 194 thousand tomans, and the euro exceeded 169 thousand tomans, showing sharp increases within just one day. 

 

Analysts say these volatile rates have left merchants unable to balance income and expenses, with reports indicating that 95 per cent of shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar are now in debt. 

 

Protest spread quickly as shopkeepers at Alaedding Passage and the Çarşı Trade Complex closed their businesses to express frustration. Videos circulated on virtual media show demonstrations along Hafiz Bridge, with business owners marching in protest. 

 

The Revolutionary Guards warned that all protests and gatherings would be suppressed. 

 

Citizens described the situation as dire. Gholam, a Tehran resident, said: “Shops and passages are closed, and economic activity has completely stopped. Streets are blocked, and police are everywhere, but it seems they are letting people gather to vent their frustrations.”

 

Mehdi, a shopkeeper of Cumhuriyet Street, said: “No matter how hard we try, we are all in debt. Everyone is on the brink of bankruptcy. People are exhausted.”

 

Mohsen, from the Grand Bazaar, said: “Our income no longer covers our expenses. We can’t even pay daily costs. If this continues, we will have to close our shops and abandon trade.”

 

Protests have now spread to Saadi Street and surrounding areas, including the cellphone and electronics markets near the Turkish Embassy. Citizens say a government decree known as the “170-dollar ruling” has intensified the population’s hardships.

 

In response, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards issued a statement warning the public and opposition groups against any “sedition, social unrest, psychological operations, or threats to national security or territorial integrity.” The statement referenced the anniversary of the December 30, 2009 events and accused foreign powers of plotting to destabilize Iran, vowing to respond decisively to any attempt to undermine national unity or spread fear among the population.

 

MA / Berivan Kutlu