Beginning on December 28th, 2025, millions of Iranians gathered nationwide to protest the Islamic Republic government amid the country’s deepest economic crisis in modern history, marked by currency collapse, inflation, and widespread loss of public confidence. In response, the Iranian government imposed a near-total internet blackout and carried out a violent crackdown that left thousands dead or detained, signaling a deliberate turn to mass repression to preserve regime control.
Read MoreFor the United States, the coming weeks will therefore be critical in determining whether such diplomacy can decrease or increase tension. For Iran, years of sanctions have negatively affected its economy, resulting in high inflation, a loss of value in currency, reduced oil revenues, and increased unemployment rates. Over the past two decades, the struggling Iranian economy has resulted in a slow population growth, an increase in the average marriage age, and riots across Tehran.
Read MoreThe bill, known as the Culture of Chastity and Hijab Bill, allows up to 10 years of jail time as punishment for women who choose not to wear the hijab or abide by Islamic dress code. Additionally, the bill permits flogging, fines of up to 360 million Iranian rials, and restrictions on travel and online access for women accused and convicted.
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