Protests Erupt in Iran Over Rising Living Costs Amid Government Tensions
On Wednesday evening, an attack occurred on a government building in Fasa, southern Iran, marking the fourth day of nationwide protests against soaring living costs and economic decline.
The judiciary's "Mizan" website reported that "the main gate of the city governor's office was damaged in an attack by several individuals," although details regarding the circumstances of the incident or its connection to the protests were not fully clarified.
Since Sunday, spontaneous protests have emerged in Iran, initially sparked by business owners in Tehran and spreading to dozens of universities, as demands for economic improvement grow louder.
Mohammad Reza Taghi Dokht, the deputy president of Tehran University, stated that four students were arrested during the protests but were released on Tuesday evening.
* Legal Warnings Regarding Public Safety
Iran's Attorney General, Mohammad Mohammadi Azad, emphasized that while "peaceful demonstrations to defend livelihoods are understandable," he cautioned against any attempts to "exploit the protests to jeopardize security or destroy public property, or to carry out scenarios prepared abroad," warning that any transgressions would face severe legal repercussions.
In a controversial move, the Israeli intelligence agency "Mossad" urged Iranians on the platform "X" to intensify their social activities, asserting its support for them, while Iran constantly accuses Israel of sabotage attempts against its nuclear facilities and the assassination of prominent figures.
* Protests for Daily Survival
The protests began in Tehran's largest mobile phone markets due to excessive inflation exceeding 10% and the loss of the Iranian rial, which has lost more than one-third of its value against the dollar in the past year.
Demonstrations have spread to dozens of cities, where schools, banks, and public institutions have partially closed due to severe cold and energy conservation measures, while universities have shifted to online classes.
A protester told the "Etemad" newspaper:
"Everyone here is fighting for daily bread," referencing the increasing hardship caused by international sanctions that have persisted for four decades and rising prices for basic necessities.
* Growing Concerns and Risk of Escalation
Concerns among Iranians are rising regarding the possibility of renewed conflict with Israel following the twelve-day war in June and the reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran in September due to its nuclear program.
The government has confirmed that combating inflation will be a priority for the new Central Bank governor, Abdolnasser Hemmati, but he faces significant challenges amid growing public discontent.
These protests, although smaller than the wave that swept Iran in late 2022 following the death of young Mahsa Amini during her detention, highlight the sensitivity of public anger and its potential impact on security and stability.
