Protests have erupted among shopkeepers in Tehran in response to the rapid depreciation of the Iranian rial and soaring inflation. As of December 28, 2025, the rial has fallen to approximately 1,445,000 rials per dollar, marking a historic low. Merchants across various commercial districts, including Lalehzar, Alaeddin Passage, and Charsou Commercial Complex, have closed their shops and participated in strikes to express their discontent over economic mismanagement and rising prices.

Demonstrators have been vocal in their protests, chanting slogans such as "The merchant will die but not accept humiliation" and "Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, we are all together," fostering a sense of solidarity among participants. The protests began on Sunday and continued into Monday amidst fears of escalating unrest; the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared a state of alert throughout Tehran.

Eyewitness reports indicate that mobile phone traders were particularly active outside major shopping centers like the Iran Mobile Center and Alaeddin Mobile Shopping Center. Additional protests were reported among iron market traders who also ceased operations as part of their demonstrations against economic conditions.

Inflation has surged dramatically in Iran; official data shows that food prices have increased by over 66% within the past year. Year-on-year inflation reached over 53%, contributing to a broader food supply crisis that threatens further public demonstrations. President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed parliament regarding financial constraints preventing wage increases that match inflation rates exceeding 50%. Lawmakers expressed concerns that proposed budget increases for public-sector wages would not adequately address rising living costs.

In addition to economic grievances related to currency devaluation and inflation, environmental challenges such as severe soil erosion affecting agricultural productivity have been highlighted by experts. A senior forestry expert indicated that restoring soil fertility could require diverting half of Iran’s annual oil income.

The judiciary has warned that individuals disrupting economic activities could face severe penalties if warnings are ignored. Iranian state-linked media characterized these strikes as part of a foreign plot aimed at destabilizing the country. Prominent figures like Maryam Rajavi from the National Council of Resistance of Iran expressed solidarity with protesting merchants while emphasizing systemic government failures affecting many Iranians.

Overall conditions remain tense as ongoing protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction among citizens grappling with escalating living costs amid perceived ineffective government policies.

Original Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (tehran) (rial) (dollar) (inflation) (december) (protests)

The article discusses the ongoing strikes by shopkeepers in Tehran, primarily driven by economic pressures such as the depreciation of the national currency and rising inflation. Here’s an evaluation based on various criteria:

Actionable Information: The article does not provide clear steps or instructions that a normal person can follow. It recounts events and protests but fails to offer any practical advice or resources for individuals affected by these economic conditions. There are no actionable items for readers to take away.

Educational Depth: While the article presents some statistics about currency depreciation and inflation rates, it lacks a deeper exploration of the causes behind these issues or their broader implications. It mentions rising food prices and fuel import concerns but does not explain how these factors interconnect with the protests or what they mean for everyday citizens.

Personal Relevance: The information is highly relevant to those living in Iran, particularly shopkeepers and consumers affected by inflation and currency instability. However, for readers outside this context, its relevance is limited as it primarily addresses local economic issues without broader applicability.

Public Service Function: The article serves more as a report on current events rather than providing public service guidance. It does not include warnings or safety advice that could help individuals navigate this situation responsibly.

Practical Advice: There are no concrete steps or tips offered within the article that an ordinary reader could realistically follow to improve their situation or respond effectively to the ongoing unrest.

Long-Term Impact: The focus is largely on a specific event—the strikes—without offering insights into long-term solutions or strategies for coping with similar situations in the future. Readers are left without guidance on how to prepare for potential worsening conditions.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The tone of the article may evoke feelings of concern due to its depiction of unrest and economic instability; however, it lacks constructive thinking or clarity on how individuals might cope with these challenges.

Clickbait Language: The language used is straightforward without sensationalism; however, it does not delve deeply enough into analysis which could have added value beyond mere reporting.

Missed Chances to Teach or Guide: While highlighting significant problems such as currency devaluation and inflation, there is little effort made to educate readers about potential responses they might consider—such as budgeting strategies during inflationary periods or ways to advocate for change within their communities.

To add real value that was missing from the original article: Individuals facing similar economic challenges should consider assessing their personal finances carefully during times of high inflation. This includes creating a budget that prioritizes essential expenses while seeking out community resources such as local food banks if necessary. Staying informed through multiple news sources can provide different perspectives on ongoing situations like strikes which may affect daily life decisions. Building connections within local communities can also foster support networks where shared experiences lead to collective action toward addressing grievances effectively. Lastly, developing skills related to financial literacy can empower individuals in navigating uncertain economic landscapes more confidently.

Shopkeepers in Tehran are described as having "extended their strikes into a second day," which emphasizes their ongoing action. The phrase "numerous key markets reporting closures" suggests a significant impact, but it does not specify how many markets are closed or the extent of the closures. This choice of words may lead readers to feel that the situation is more widespread and severe than it might be, creating a sense of urgency and concern without providing concrete details.

The text states that traders have participated in protests against "the government's handling of economic issues." This wording implies blame on the government without detailing specific actions or policies that led to this dissatisfaction. It frames the government negatively and could lead readers to view it as incompetent or uncaring about economic conditions, thus influencing public perception against the administration.

The phrase "the rial's depreciation...recently hit record lows" uses strong language that emphasizes a crisis. By stating it has "hit record lows," it creates an alarming image of economic collapse without providing context about previous fluctuations or comparisons with other currencies. This can mislead readers into thinking the situation is unprecedented when similar events may have occurred in history.

The text mentions inflation rates, stating that food prices have increased by over 66% within the past year. While this figure sounds alarming, there is no comparison provided with inflation rates from previous years or context about global trends affecting Iran's economy. This selective presentation can create fear and urgency while obscuring broader economic realities.

When discussing President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, the text notes "discrepancies between government statements on gasoline import costs." The word “discrepancies” suggests dishonesty or incompetence but does not provide evidence for these claims. This framing could lead readers to distrust government communications without substantiating why those discrepancies matter significantly.

The description of shopkeepers continuing their demonstrations amid “escalating economic challenges” implies an ongoing struggle without detailing what specific challenges they face beyond currency instability and soaring prices. By focusing only on these aspects, it overlooks potential solutions being discussed or implemented by authorities, which could offer a more balanced view of the situation.

The statement about mobile phone traders chanting “antigovernment slogans” presents their protests in a negative light by labeling them as oppositional rather than expressing legitimate grievances. This choice of words may evoke feelings against protesters rather than sympathy for their plight, potentially swaying public opinion against those voicing dissenting views.

Lastly, saying “the situation remains tense” adds an emotional weight to the narrative but lacks specifics about what makes it tense beyond general unrest among merchants. Such vague language can create anxiety among readers while failing to clarify whether tensions are escalating further or if there are any peaceful resolutions being sought.

The text conveys a range of emotions that reflect the current economic turmoil in Iran, particularly among shopkeepers and traders. A prominent emotion is frustration, which is evident in phrases like "widespread frustration among merchants regarding these economic conditions." This frustration stems from the significant decline in the value of the rial and soaring inflation rates. The strength of this emotion is high, as it encapsulates the collective sentiment of those affected by these economic pressures. The purpose of expressing this frustration is to elicit sympathy from readers, helping them understand the dire circumstances that merchants face.

Another strong emotion present in the text is anger, especially highlighted by mobile phone traders chanting "antigovernment slogans" during their protests. This anger reflects a deep discontent with governmental policies and actions related to economic management. By emphasizing this anger, the writer aims to create a sense of urgency around the situation, prompting readers to recognize that these protests are not merely about currency issues but also about broader dissatisfaction with leadership.

Fear also emerges subtly through references to "economic challenges" and concerns over fuel imports affecting public finances. While not overtly stated as fear, the implications of financial instability can evoke anxiety about future conditions for ordinary citizens. This emotional undertone serves to worry readers about potential worsening situations if current trends continue.

The writer employs specific language choices that enhance emotional impact throughout the piece. Words such as "strikes," "protests," and "unrest" carry strong connotations that evoke images of conflict and distress rather than neutrality. Additionally, phrases like “record lows” regarding currency depreciation amplify feelings of extremity surrounding economic decline; they suggest an urgent crisis rather than a gradual problem.

By using repetition—such as reiterating themes of strikes and protests—the writer reinforces these emotions effectively. This technique ensures that readers remain focused on key issues while building a narrative around escalating tensions within Iranian society due to economic hardships.

Overall, these emotions serve multiple purposes: they guide readers toward feeling sympathy for those affected by inflation and currency instability while simultaneously instilling concern over potential consequences if these issues are not addressed promptly. Through careful word choice and emotional framing, the writer persuades readers to consider both individual merchant struggles and broader societal implications stemming from government policies—ultimately inspiring action or at least heightened awareness regarding Iran's pressing economic challenges.