Iran’s Pezeshkian pledges economic overhaul amid spiralling protests

In January 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pledged to overhaul Iran's economy amid escalating nationwide protests sparked by a plummeting currency and rising living costs. In a televised address, Pezeshkian stated his government was ready to address the people's concerns and solve the country's economic problems. He urged families to prevent their youth from joining "rioters," claiming the government was working to fairly distribute resources. Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of fueling the unrest, which has resulted in numerous deaths, and called on Iranians to distance themselves from those he labeled "rioters and terrorists." The protests have evolved from economic grievances to broader anti-government sentiments.

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