Protests, Pressure, And A $7 Promise: Iran’s Power Struggle EXPLAINED | World News
Iran faces pressure from two fronts. On the one hand, it challenges the USA by making shows of power with allied countries. On the other hand, it is preparing to deal with a major internal uprising.
Disturbed by what has been described as the largest rebellion in the country’s history, the ruling establishment is using a mix of persuasion, division, punishment and now financial incentives to silence the public’s anger. In today’s DNA episode, Zee News Editor-in-Chief Rahul Sinha analyzed:
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Negotiation attempts failed, efforts to divide the protesters did not work, and despite harsh punishments, people did not back down. As the protests continued, the Iranian administration turned to offering money to calm the unrest.
Protests in Iran
Protests in Iran entered their tenth consecutive day and quickly spread across the country. Demonstrations against the Islamic order are held in 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces. At least 35 people, including four children, have been killed so far. Security forces have detained more than 1,200 people, but crowds continue to gather in the streets.
Public anger also targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with protesters attacking several IRGC camps. Demonstrators chant slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and also demand the return of Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi.
Khamenei’s Reaction to the Protests in Iran
Khamenei called the protesters rioters and ordered strict action against them. As a result, shootings at protesters have increased over the past two days.
In the city of Qom, security forces reportedly entered hospitals to arrest injured protesters, leading to clashes in which tear gas was used and shots were fired.
What is the Iranian Government’s Plan?
Amidst this situation, the Iranian government announced an economic aid plan. According to the decision, 1 million tomans, or 10 million riyals, will be given to each citizen for the next four months. Approximately 80 million people are expected to receive this amount.
The government said that $10 billion previously spent annually on import subsidies will now be transferred directly to citizens’ accounts.
But in US currency, this amount is equivalent to only $7, or roughly 630 Indian rupees.
The announcement attracted attention because the same leadership that ordered harsh action against protesters is now offering financial aid. Fear of losing 36 years of power appears to have pushed the government to open the treasury in the hope of calming the streets.
Due to the sharp decline in the Iranian currency, very little can be bought with money; about 100 eggs or one kilogram of meat. Estimates suggest that the average Iranian needs at least $200 per month to cover basic living expenses; This is much more than the $7 offered.
Despite this, Khamenei reportedly hopes that distributing cash will reduce public anger. The government also dismissed the central bank governor and made changes to foreign exchange policies ahead of the package announcement.
International reactions increased Tehran’s concerns. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed their solidarity with the Iranian people.
