Iran Protests: Viral Photo Sparks Outrage Over Weak Economy

by Ibrahim Khalil - World Editor
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In the already busy Tehran Grand Bazaar, most of the shops remain closed today.

On Sunday, the currency in the country, the rial, plunged.In an already strained economy, sellers closed their shops and took to the streets.

They owe it to poor economic management from the governing authorities.

[image of Tehran Grand Bazaar being unusually quiet]

Tehran Grand Bazaar is usually a lively market. Today it is much quieter than usual.
Photo: Majid Asgaripour / Reuters / NTB

Today, Tuesday, students at the university in the capital Tehran have also connected, local media reports. The governor of the central bank announced his resignation on Monday.

The protests are described as the biggest since the protests after the murder of Masha Amini in 2022.

At the pain threshold

Have you seen the picture of him sitting on the ground in front of security forces in Tehran?

  • Yes, yes, of course, says Pardis Shafafi.

Iran is boiling: “Everything” is more expensive

Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in protest after a dramatic worsening of the economic situation in December.

She points out that he is standing up against an oppressive regime that has mismanaged the economy for many years.

now the pain threshold has been reached.

“Everything” is more expensive

As this summer, the value of the currency in Iran has fallen by 40 percent against the dollar.

This has led to poorer living standards. Many things have become much more expensive.

The inflation rate in December rose to 42.4 per cent compared with the same time last year.It is 1.8 per cent higher than last month.

Food has become 72 percent more expensive. Health and medical products are 50 per cent of the price from December last year.This is reported by the National Statistical Center of Iran.

!A shopping basket on an Iranian market has on average become 72 percent more expensive in the last year. Several struggle to afford to meet ends.

Protests Erupt in Iran Following Economic Hardship

Recent protests have broken out in several Iranian cities, fueled by widespread economic hardship and discontent with the current government. While the reaction from authorities has been less violent than in the past, skepticism remains about genuine change.

Banafsheh Ranji, a postdoctoral fellow at the department of Sociology and Political Science at NTNU, explains that the economic instability is not due to a single factor. “It is indeed a mixture of corruption,poor government management and international sanctions,” she states.

So far, the demonstrations have been relatively peaceful. However, Ranji emphasizes the need to observe how the situation unfolds.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has responded by urging his government to address the protesters’ “legitimate demands” through dialogue. A government spokesperson, Fatameh Mohajerani, acknowledged the protests and the underlying issues, stating that authorities will “listen patiently, also to the harsh voices,” believing the people’s expressions stem from meaningful pressure.

Though,Pardis Shafafi dismisses these statements as a performance for the international community. “It is nothing other than a demonstration for the world and the international press,” she argues, suggesting it’s a tactic to appear responsive following the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.

Social media footage circulating online appears to show protesters pushing back against police forces.

Norwegian meteorological Institute Warns of extreme Weather Conditions

The norwegian Meteorological Institute (Met Norway) has issued warnings for severe weather conditions across large parts of the country, expected to peak on December 30, 2025. These conditions include heavy snowfall, strong winds, and potential avalanches, posing significant risks to travel and infrastructure. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Current Warnings and Affected Areas

As of December 30, 2025, Met Norway has issued the following warnings:

  • Red Alert (Highest Level): Coastal areas of western Norway are under a red alert for hurricane-force winds, with gusts exceeding 140 km/h (87 mph). This level of warning indicates a significant threat to life and property.
  • Orange Alert: Significant portions of Southern Norway and the mountainous regions are under an orange alert for heavy snowfall. Accumulations of over 80 cm (31.5 inches) are expected in some areas, leading to challenging travel conditions and potential disruptions to power supply.
  • Yellow Alert: Eastern Norway is under a yellow alert for strong winds and icy conditions. While not as severe as the red or orange alerts, residents should still exercise caution.

Specific regions affected include, but are not limited to: Vestland, Møre og Romsdal, Trøndelag, and parts of innlandet and Viken.

Impacts and Risks

The extreme weather is expected to have several significant impacts:

  • Transportation Disruptions: Roads and railways are likely to be closed due to heavy snow and strong winds. Ferry services may also be cancelled. The Norwegian Public Roads governance provides real-time traffic updates.
  • Power Outages: Strong winds can damage power lines, leading to widespread outages.Elnett, the Norwegian power grid operator, is preparing for potential disruptions.
  • Avalanche Risk: Heavy snowfall increases the risk of avalanches, particularly in mountainous areas. Varsom.no provides avalanche forecasts and warnings.
  • Coastal Flooding: Strong winds and high waves may cause coastal flooding in vulnerable areas.

Safety Recommendations

Met Norway and local authorities recommend the following safety measures:

  • Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and warnings from Met Norway (https://www.met.no/) and local news sources.
  • Avoid Travel: If possible, avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm.
  • Secure Property: Secure loose objects that could be blown away by the wind.
  • prepare for Power Outages: Have a supply of food, water, and warm clothing on hand. Charge electronic devices.
  • Be Aware of Avalanche Risk: Avoid traveling in avalanche-prone areas.
  • Follow Official Instructions: follow the instructions of local authorities.

Looking Ahead

The extreme weather is expected to gradually subside on December 31, 2025, but lingering effects, such as snowdrifts and icy conditions, may persist.Met Norway will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential hazards.

Key Takeaways

  • Severe weather warnings are in effect across much of Norway.
  • The most significant threats are hurricane-force winds,heavy snowfall,and avalanches.
  • Residents should stay informed, avoid travel if possible, and take necessary safety precautions.

Publication Date: December 30, 2025

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