Most of Iran Shuts Down as Government Grapples With Protests and Economy
The New York Times••general
Key Points:
- Businesses, universities, and government offices across 21 of Iran’s 31 provinces, including Tehran, were closed on Wednesday due to a government-ordered shutdown amid growing public frustration over the struggling economy.
- The shutdown coincides with President Masoud Pezeshkian appointing Abdolnaser Hemmati, former economy minister, as the new central bank chief to address economic challenges.
- President Pezeshkian acknowledged the difficulty of the new central bank chief’s role, noting that Hemmati would face significant pressure and criticism.
- Iran's soaring inflation has led to protests by merchants in Tehran and other cities, reflecting widespread economic discontent.
- The former central bank head, Mohammad Reza Farzin, resigned
