Iran’s economy has been under sustained pressure for years, largely as a result of U.S. and European sanctions tied to its nuclear ambitions. A 12-day war with Israel last June further drained Iran’s financial resources.When the currency plunged against the U.S. dollar in late December, amid persistently high inflation, merchants and university students staged days of protests. But as the rallies grew, the protests became a broader criticism of the rule of Iran’s theocratic government. Across social media and television, protesters were seen chanting slogans including, “Death to the dictator”

The Iranian authorities have reacted harshly to the protests.The Revolutionary Guards warned in a statement on Friday that its “red lines” included “the protection of the achievements of the Islamic Revolution and maintaining the security of society.”The government initially signaled a willingness to listen to protesters’ demands. Earlier this month, it announced plans to provide most citizens with a monthly payment equivalent to around $7.President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged what he called the public’s “legitimate” grievances. He appointed a new head of the central bank and has said t

Demonstrations have spread to dozens of cities across Iran, according to tracking by the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War.On Friday, videos posted on BBC Persian television showed thousands of people marching in Tehran, drawing supporters from what residents said in interviews was a cross-section of working-class, middle-class and wealthy neighborhoods.Amnesty International, a rights group, on Thursday said that at least 28 protesters and bystanders, including children, had been killed between Dec. 31 and Jan. 3. Three other groups that document and track human rights put the toll hig