For five days Iran has been swept by a massive wave of protests, which have spilled over into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. After the thirteen deaths recorded between Saturday 30 December and New Year's Day, a further nine people were killed on the night of 2 January, as confirmed by the Associated Press (citing Tehran's state television).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dZv0Ld52QQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=sRudUWG7e7A&has_verified=1

Protesters storm public buildings, banks and Islamic militia headquarters

Iran's population has taken to the streets in numerous cities across the Islamic republic. The most tense situations were recorded in the centre of the capital, but also in Qahdarijan, Arak and Doroud. There were numerous instances of public buildings being set on fire, as well as attacks on religious centres, banks, police vehicles and the headquarters of the Basij (the government's Islamic militia). An extremely tense situation, then, the like of which had not been seen since June 2009, at the time of the disputed re-election of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

However – paradoxical as it may seem given the number of victims and the hundreds of arrests carried out across the country – the use of repression by the government of president Hassan Rohani has been relatively limited (even though the more conservative factions of Iranian politics are calling on the government to stand firm). The authorities in Tehran appear to be attempting to maintain a balanced position, including in the face of statements by United States president Donald Trump, who has repeatedly added fuel to the fire by speaking of "oppressive regimes that cannot last forever".

President Hassan Rohani: "The people have the right to protest"

Rohani himself has attempted to calm the waters. In a speech delivered on Sunday evening on public television, the moderate leader on the one hand condemned "violence and all destruction of public property", but on the other explained that "the people have the right to protest". He also promised the creation of "a space in which supporters of the revolution and citizens can express their everyday concerns".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyLfaub54pU https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=sRudUWG7e7A&has_verified=1

The economic crisis at the heart of the wave of protests

The main driving force behind the tensions is indeed linked to the economic crisis gripping the Asian nation. Having come to power in June 2013 and re-elected in May 2017 for a second term, Rohani staked everything on improving the living standards of the population. The signing of the nuclear programme agreement with the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany (July 2015) and the partial lifting of economic sanctions (January 2016) had raised widespread hopes in Iran of a swift recovery.

Some results were achieved: inflation, for example, fell to 10 per cent (compared with 40 in the pre-Rohani years). The most serious problem that remains unresolved is unemployment, particularly among young people. As a result, for months pensioners, workers and teachers – faced with the state's difficulties in paying wages – have been taking to the streets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MswmZXejSE https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=sRudUWG7e7A&has_verified=1

Donald Trump: "Iran's oppressive regime must change"

To this must be added the collapse of dozens of controversial financial institutions, most of which were created during the Ahmadinejad presidency: thousands of savers regularly protest outside government institutions' premises demanding their money back. The government is also struggling to attract foreign investment, especially since the election of Donald Trump, who has stated that he does not wish to "certify" the nuclear deal and has threatened to withdraw from it.

Donald J. Trump ✓ @realDonaldTrump

𝕏

Iran is failing at every level despite the terrible deal made with them by the Obama Administration. The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years. They are hungry for food & for freedom. Along with human rights, the wealth of Iran is being looted. TIME FOR CHANGE!

♥ 67568💬 11344 1 gen 2018 · Apri su X →

"Iran has failed at every level – the American billionaire declared – despite the terrible deal signed by the Obama administration. The great Iranian people are hungry for food and for freedom. Wealth is instead confiscated, as are human rights." These statements drew a sharp response from General Amir Hatami, Tehran's Defence Minister. The military official, according to the Fars news agency, spoke of "enemies of Iran attempting to destabilise the country".