Iranian officials warn Trump not to cross ‘red line’ over threats to intervene in protests

Protests have erupted in Iran due to a worsening economy, spreading from merchants to university students in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Yazd on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Demonstrators are expressing frustration over high inflation and the collapse of the Iranian currency, chanting for freedom and clashing with security forces near campuses. These protests occur amidst increasing domestic pressure on Iranian leaders and renewed foreign threats, including potential military action from Israel and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program. President Trump has threatened strong consequences if Iran reconstitutes its nuclear program, prompting a retaliatory threat from Iranian President Pezeshkian. Iran has a history of suppressing protests with force.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged his government to address the "legitimate demands" of protesters in Tehran, who have been demonstrating since Sunday against the country's deteriorating economic conditions. The protests, which involve shop closures and street demonstrations, are a response to the Iranian rial's plummeting value against the US dollar. Pezeshkian stated on social media that he has tasked the Interior Minister with engaging in dialogue with protest representatives. He also pledged government action to reform the monetary system and protect the purchasing power of Iranians. The currency's decline is attributed to increased sanctions and diplomatic pressure from the US and its allies, as well as the threat of renewed conflict with Israel.

Protests erupted in Tehran and other Iranian cities on Monday, December 29, 2025, due to soaring inflation and the collapse of the national currency. The Iranian currency reached a record low against the U.S. dollar, with annual inflation rising to 42.2 percent in December. Amid the economic turmoil, the head of Iran’s central bank, Mohammad Reza Farzin, resigned, with Abdolnaser Hemmati expected to replace him. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the crisis, attributing it to past government decisions. Experts cite poor management, closed economic policies, U.S. sanctions, and the war with Israel as factors contributing to Iran's economic problems. Security forces have reportedly used tear gas to disperse protesters.