Iran's Economy in Free Fall: Protests, Inflation, and Oil Export Crisis

Iran's economic and social crisis deepened in recent days as students and retirees staged protests across the country, highlighting grievances over rising prices, educational costs, and security measures. On September 28, students at Allameh Tabataba'i University in Tehran protested against university expenses, including compulsory hijab and growing security presence on campus.

Telecommunications retirees held demonstrations in Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Bijar, while retirees of the Shafaroud company gathered outside the Gilan governorate. These protests reflect continued public mobilization over economic pressures and restrictions.

The crisis has also led to shoplifting becoming a common occurrence as people struggle to afford basic necessities due to inflation rates reaching 127.5%. Iranian authorities have imposed a nationwide security alert, but it seems to have had little effect on the growing unrest.