Dialogos

Iranian President Says He 'Hears Legitimate Demands' of Protesters

Published December 30, 2025, 19:03
Iranian President Says He 'Hears Legitimate Demands' of Protesters

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he “hears the legitimate demands” of protesters, following demonstrations by merchants and students due to economic hardship and rising prices. The spontaneous protests have spread to several cities, with students participating in rallies at at least seven universities in Tehran and one higher education institution in Isfahan. President Pezeshkian has asked the Ministry of Interior to dialogue with representatives of the protesters in order to find solutions to the problems. At the same time, he met with union representatives and proposed fiscal measures to support businesses. The protests recall the mobilizations of 2019, which broke out after the increase in the price of gasoline and led to dozens of deaths. The current situation is worsening due to international sanctions and currency devaluation. The Speaker of Parliament warned of possible attempts to exploit the protests to cause chaos, while Iran accuses foreign powers of inciting such mobilizations. The authorities have announced the closure of schools, banks and public services in Tehran and other areas of the country due to the cold and to save energy.