Context:

Iran has been witnessing nationwide protests since December 28, 2025. The protests spread across all 31 provinces of the country and took place at more than 512 locations in around 180 cities, including major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz and Qom. The demonstrations, continuing into January 2026, represent one of the largest uprisings in the country’s recent history, combining economic grievances, political dissent, and generational activism.

Causes of the Protests:

The protests are rooted in a complex interplay of political, economic, social, and ideological factors:

1. Political and Governance Issues:

• • • • • Authoritarianism and human rights abuses: Citizens demand accountability from a government criticized for political repression and systemic corruption.
        • Mandatory hijab enforcement and religious persecution: Sections of the population, particularly younger generations, have expressed dissent against strict religious codes and gender-based restrictions.
        • Internet censorship and blackouts: Government attempts to control the flow of information have fuelled public distrust and catalysed online activism.
        • Ethnic and ideological tensions: Marginalized ethnic and religious groups have amplified their grievances alongside broader calls for reform.

2. Economic Grievances:

• • • • • Currency crisis: The Iranian rial has experienced severe depreciation, contributing to high inflation and rising costs of essential goods.
        • Economic mismanagement: Decades of fiscal mismanagement, coupled with international sanctions, have exacerbated shortages of food, energy, and water.
        • Impact on ordinary citizens and merchants: Bazaar merchants have led strikes and shop closures, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with prevailing economic policies.

3. Generational and Social Factors:

• • • • • Gen Z activism: Young Iranians, influenced by global social movements, have emerged as prominent participants, challenging both cultural norms and political authority.
        • Urban protests and student movements: Cities such as Tehran have witnessed rooftop demonstrations, marches, and digital campaigns spearheaded by students and urban youth.

Implications:

1. Domestic Implications-

• • • • • Persistent unrest threatens political stability and may challenge the durability of theocratic governance.
        • Economic disruptions, strikes, and trade interruptions have intensified domestic hardship.
        • Generation-driven protests underscore growing demands for social liberalization and political reform.

2. Regional and Global Implications-

• • • • • The protests may influence Iran’s foreign policy posture in West Asia, particularly with respect to proxy engagements in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
        • Rising internal instability could affect global oil markets, given Iran’s strategic role in energy exports.
        • International actors may reassess engagement strategies, balancing human rights concerns with geopolitical interests.

Implications for India:

India maintains strategic interests in Iran, particularly the Chabahar Port, which is crucial for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Prolonged unrest could disrupt infrastructure projects and trade logistics. Diplomatically, India must navigate a calibrated approach—preserving ties with Iran while sustaining strategic relationships with Israel and the United States.

Global Implications:

• • • • • Regional security: Heightened tensions risk spillover effects across the Middle East, especially amid U.S. and Israeli involvement.
        • Energy markets: Iran’s pivotal role in oil exports could influence global prices during periods of instability.
        • Human rights: The state’s crackdown has drawn international criticism, raising concerns over authoritarian responses to popular dissent.

Conclusion;

The 2025–26 Iranian protests—the largest since the 2022 Mahsa Amini movement—represent a convergence of economic crisis, political dissatisfaction, and generational discontent. While primarily domestic in origin, the unrest carries significant regional and global ramifications, challenging the balance between state sovereignty, human rights, and geopolitical interests. For India, prudent diplomacy and close attention to energy security and trade interests remain essential.