Iran’s moderate government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has appealed for calm and constructive dialogue following the largest public demonstrations the country has witnessed in three years. The protests erupted after the Iranian currency plunged to a record low against the US dollar, leaving many citizens struggling to afford everyday essentials.
The unrest began on Sunday when traders and shopkeepers in central Tehran shut their stores in response to the worsening economic climate. Protests soon spread beyond the capital to cities including Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad, where demonstrators voiced strong criticism of the government.
The scale of the demonstrations has drawn comparisons with the nationwide protests that followed the death of a 22-year-old woman in police custody several years earlier.
In response, President Pezeshkian urged officials to listen to what he described as the “legitimate demands” of the people. He announced that a formal framework for dialogue would be established to engage directly with protest representatives, highlighting that citizens’ welfare remains his top priority. In a message shared on X, the president wrote that improving livelihoods and stabilizing the financial system were central to his government’s agenda.
Government Response and Position
A government spokesperson emphasized that the administration remains committed to responding to public concerns through peaceful and lawful channels. The recent gatherings, officials said, reflect the active and engaged nature of Iranian society.
President Pezeshkian has instructed senior ministers to meet with citizen representatives, assuring the public that solutions would be sought within national institutions and legal frameworks.
Economic Pressures and Sanctions
Government officials attributed the recent economic instability to long-standing Western sanctions, which they described as “unlawful and inhumane.” These sanctions, they argued, have severely impacted Iran’s financial system and weakened the value of the national currency.
Despite these challenges, authorities stated that reforms are under way to stabilize the economy and protect the purchasing power of ordinary Iranians.
Concerns Over Misinformation
Officials also cautioned against what they called disinformation efforts by opposition groups outside the country, urging citizens and observers to rely on verified information from official sources. They stressed the importance of distinguishing genuine economic grievances from politically motivated narratives.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to national stability, sovereignty, and continued reform efforts — even as the nation faces external geopolitical tensions and security concerns.
