Political situation in Iran

Protests in Iran spread to Kurdish areas

The large protests against the regime in Iran have spread to the province of Kurdistan, according to ISW. In a statement on X, the think tank writes that at least six large protests have been held in the region, which is located in northwestern Iran.

According to ISW, Iranian leaders have long had an extra eye on the provinces in the western and northwestern parts of the country. Historically, the Iranian regime has accused Kurdish militias in Iraq of inciting protests on the border, the think tank writes.

They note that the regime used heavy force to suppress the protests in Kurdistan in 2022, which broke out after the death of Mahsa Amini.

Voices from Iran: “People are getting braver now”

The protests in Iran continue to grow. 29-year-old Sina in the city of Karaj tells the BBC that people are getting braver.

“I went to buy food and people were openly speaking against the regime in broad daylight. I thought the protests would subside, but they haven’t lost momentum,” Sina writes in a text message to the British television house, shortly before the internet was turned off on Thursday.

Several protesters say that a sense of hopelessness is driving the protests.

“We are living in limbo,” says one woman.

The protests are rooted in economic dissatisfaction, but have broadened to include broader criticism of the regime. Voices have also been raised for the reinstatement of the monarchy, writes the BBC.
 

“Pahlavi will return” – monarchist slogans in Iran

During the protests in Iran, more and more voices are being heard calling for the reinstatement of the monarchy, which was overthrown in the 1979 revolution. The latest addition to the slogans on the streets is “Pahlavi will return”, reports the BBC. The chants are about Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Iran’s last shah, who lives in exile.

Pahlavi himself has called for protests in his homeland on Thursday and Friday. Many heeded his call and before the internet was turned off on Thursday evening, news agencies reported that thousands of people had taken to the streets. The “crown prince’s” speech is considered to have had a major impact, writes the AP.

– According to posts on social media, it is clear that Iranians are delivering and taking the call to protest to end the Islamic republic seriously, Holly Dagres at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank told the news agency.

Some Iranians seem to see Pahlavi as the better of two bad options. The most important thing is to stand united, 17-year-old Maryam from Tehran told the BBC.

“I’m not Reza Pahlavi’s biggest fan. But my personal opinion is not important now.”

The protests in Iran – it’s about the issue

• Protests against the regime in Iran have spread to at least 17 of the 31 provinces and over 50 cities since the end of December 2025.
• The demonstrations were triggered by a currency collapse and inflation of over 40 percent, which led to the closure of shops and thousands taking part in protests.
• Security forces have responded with violence, tear gas and internet shutdowns. At least 45 people, including children, have been killed and more than 2,000 arrested, according to human rights groups.
• The protests have evolved from economic discontent to broader demands for regime change, with slogans against Leader Khamenei and participation from students and women’s rights activists.
• Iran's leadership accuses arch-enemies the United States and Israel of being behind the unrest, while the president has replaced the central bank governor and urged the government to listen to the people's demands.