Iran is seeing its largest protests in years, starting from small shopkeepers’ anger over the crashing rial currency. The rial lost half its value last year, causing high food prices and inflation over 30%. Protests quickly turned political, with chants of “death to the dictator” against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Videos show burning cars and smashed shops across cities. The government cracked down hard. Rights groups say hundreds of protesters were killed by security forces and Basij militia. Thousands were arrested. Authorities shut down internet and phone networks to isolate protesters. Reporters Without Borders ranks Iran as one of the worst countries for press freedom, 176 out of 180. Despite this, protesters shared footage online using satellite internet. Pro-government rallies appeared in Tehran, encouraged by the government. Iran has had many protests before, including in 2009 and 2022-23, but this year’s protests reference the exiled son of the old shah, Reza Pahlavi. Support for him is unclear. Internationally, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed “rioters” and enemies like the US and Israel for the unrest. US President Donald Trump said he is considering “very strong” military action, raising fears of more conflict. The US and Israel openly want regime change after bombings last summer targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites. The situation remains tense with no signs of protests ending soon.