What to know about protests over Iran's economy as nuclear tensions remain high
PBS••nation
Key Points:
- Protests have spread across Iran, reaching over 170 locations in 25 provinces, fueled by economic hardship due to a collapsing rial and rising inflation, with at least 15 deaths and over 580 arrests reported.
- The demonstrations, initially focused on economic grievances like rising fuel prices, have evolved to include anti-government sentiments amid longstanding public anger following incidents like the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
- Iran's regional influence is waning as its "Axis of Resistance" coalition faces setbacks, including Israel's offensive against Hamas, losses suffered by Hezbollah, the overthrow of Syria's Assad, and U.S. actions against Iranian allies like Venezuela's Maduro.
- Western concerns persist over Iran's nuclear program, with Iran enriching uranium near weapons
