By late December last year, Iran’s economy was on the verge of collapse. A steep drop in the value of the Iranian rial triggered widespread shortages and soaring prices, sparking nationwide protests that quickly escalated from economic grievances into open rebellion against the country’s theocratic regime.
Demonstrators not only burned symbols of the regime but also openly called for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to step down. Social media footage has shown large crowds on the streets of Tehran and other cities.
