Iran rocked with new protests as economic anger meets mounting foreign pressure
The latest wave of protests is moving beyond markets and into universities, as Tehran trades warnings with Washington and Israel.
TEHRAN — Protests over Iran's deepening economic crisis entered a third day on Tuesday, spreading from Tehran's traditional bazaars into universities and multiple provincial cities, as frustration over the collapsing national currency has merged with other pent-up grievances and a lack of political freedom.
The strikes and rallies began on Sunday after the renewed currency nosedive saw the US dollar's exchange rate surpass 1,440,000 rials, intensifying pressure on businesses and households already struggling with 50% inflation and stagnant wages.
Shopkeepers in central Tehran markets chanted anti-government slogans, including "death to the dictator," according to videos circulating on social media.
Similar scenes were reported in the southern Qeshm island and the cities of Hamadan, Malard and Kerman on Monday, while Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, Yazd and Arak had rallies of their own.
