On December 29, 2024, mass protests and strikes erupted across Iran, fueled by public frustration over soaring inflation and deteriorating living conditions. In Ahvaz, retirees joined nationwide demonstrations demanding higher pensions, reflecting a broader sentiment of discontent among various social groups. Merchants in Tehran's Grand Bazaar participated by closing their shops and chanting slogans like "Don’t be afraid, close your shops!" as a form of protest against the economic situation. Strikes extended to key markets due to skyrocketing raw material costs, with the U.S. dollar surpassing 81,000 tomans, further exacerbating economic pressures on the populace. Protests were reported in cities including Shush, Isfahan, and Qaemshahr, where workers demanded unpaid wages. Economic experts have warned of potential hyperinflation, which could worsen the already dire economic conditions. The unrest reflects growing dissatisfaction with the regime's economic mismanagement, as over 11,500 healthcare workers have left Iran in the past two years, indicating a significant brain drain from the country. This wave of protests follows earlier demonstrations by oil workers in Ahvaz on October 22, 2024, who demanded higher wages and better working conditions. The Iranian regime's attempts to rally support for its confrontational stance against Israel have been overshadowed by the escalating domestic unrest. [48dadeb0][423466c1]