Overview
- Demonstrations that began with Tehran shopkeepers have expanded to students and other groups across cities and rural provinces.
- At least seven deaths have been reported as clashes occurred in several locations, according to recent coverage.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian has agreed to meet protest representatives but does not control the security forces directing the response.
- Reporting describes Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s approach as a cautious waiting game rather than a sweeping crackdown.
- President Donald Trump publicly warned Tehran that the U.S. is “locked and loaded” to defend peaceful protesters, while Iranian officials cautioned Washington against interference as experts tie sanctions and mismanagement to soaring inflation, a tumbling rial, and shortages.