Public Outrage in Iran as Economic Crisis Deepens

Iran is facing rising public outrage as its economic crisis deepens under the pressure of crippling U.S. sanctions. The national currency, the rial, plummeted to a record low on February 11, following President Donald Trump’s decision to restart the "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic republic. The renewed sanctions have pushed an already struggling economy to the brink, with widespread unemployment and growing poverty affecting millions of Iranians.

The Iranian economy has been in freefall for years, with the rial losing significant value against the dollar. A recent report revealed that about one-third of Iranians earn less than $2 a day, unable to meet even basic living expenses. In response to the renewed sanctions, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the prospect of engaging in negotiations with the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program. Khamenei's hardline stance has only intensified frustration among the Iranian public, many of whom see diplomacy as the only way to lift the sanctions and alleviate their economic suffering.

Changing Stance on Negotiations

For months, Iranian officials had indicated that they were open to negotiations with the U.S. Despite President Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term and the subsequent reimposition of sanctions, Tehran had shown interest in re-engaging diplomatically. However, Khamenei initially seemed open to talks, even saying in late January that a deal with Trump could be possible. But by February 7, his position had shifted dramatically. He stated that negotiating with Washington would be neither wise nor honorable, citing the U.S.'s lack of trustworthiness.

This abrupt change in tone has sparked a wave of criticism from many Iranians, particularly those who had pinned their hopes on President Masud Pezeshkian's ability to ease tensions with the West. Pezeshkian, elected in 2024, has faced growing pressure to deliver on his campaign promises, and many are now questioning his ability to bring about the reforms needed to end the economic suffering.

Economic Crisis Fuels Public Anger

The falling currency has significantly raised the cost of living, further exacerbating poverty across the country. This has sparked protests, with many citizens turning to social media to vent their anger at Khamenei’s rejection of talks and the continuing economic turmoil.

Economist Zohreh Irani pointed out the inevitable result of the economic pressure: "You will negotiate, I promise you," she said, predicting that the Iranian leadership will be forced to come to the table eventually. Meanwhile, poet Morteza Lotfi humorously but sadly noted on social media: "We worked 9 hours today, but we're poorer than the morning!"

Ata Mohamed Tabriz, a political analyst based in Turkey, observed that "serious anger" is brewing among the Iranian population, with protests potentially intensifying if the government fails to address the people's demands. The combination of an unyielding leadership and widespread economic despair has created a volatile situation, where social unrest could erupt at any moment.