Iran's "Maidan": Students Join Mass Protests

• 31.12.2025, 10:50

The action comes amid a deep economic crisis.

Large-scale protests continue in Iran over the sharp rise in the cost of living. Students from a number of universities have joined the actions of discontent, which earlier involved bazaar traders and shopkeepers.

The Al Arabya writes about it.

The "Maidan" in Iran is taking place against the backdrop of a deep economic crisis. The local national currency is rapidly depreciating and inflation remains one of the highest in recent years. Social tensions are escalating in both the capital and the country's regions.

Protests have engulfed universities

Hundreds of students reportedly took to the streets at least four universities in Tehran on Tuesday. They are expressing discontent over falling incomes, rising prices and lack of economic prospects.

State TV channels showed footage of protesters chanting slogans demanding economic change. Semi-official agencies confirm that the student movement is increasingly joining the protests.

The government promises dialogue

Iranian government spokesman Fatemeh Mohajerani said she intends to set up a mechanism for talks with representatives of protest groups.

"We officially recognize the protests. We hear these voices and understand that they are the result of serious pressure on people's living standards," she said.

At the same time, the country reminds that previous waves of protests have been repeatedly suppressed by Iranian authorities by force.

Why did people come out to protest?

The causes of unrest in different years in Iran were economic problems, sanctions, water shortages, as well as issues of women's rights and political freedoms.

With this background, the exchange rate of the local currency - rial recently fell to a record level - about 1.4 million per US dollar. The head of the country's central bank has since resigned.

The mass unrest comes as US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with more attacks if Tehran tries to restart its nuclear program and ballistic missile development.