1 / 8Iran is in the third week of the largest protest the country has seen in the last two decades. What began in late December 2025 in Tehran’s bazaar and frustrations of local merchants has now grown into a nationwide demand to ouster the government. But this is not the first time such hopes have risen. Over the past three decades, Iran has seen several large-scale protest movements, each driven by different causes – economic stress, political anger, or demands for social freedom. Most of them spread quickly, drew global attention, and then faded after strong action by the state. Here is a timeline of Iran’s biggest protests since the 1990s, how long they lasted, and why they ended. (Image: AP)
2 / 81) 2025–2026 Protests (Ongoing) | Why they began: The latest protests began in late December 2025 in Tehran’s main bazaar after the rial crashed to about 1.48 million per US dollar, worsening inflation and business losses. What started as an economic protest quickly turned political, spreading to all 31 provinces. Many protesters began demanding the government’s removal and chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Why they may end or change: Authorities have imposed internet restrictions and used force. Reuters, citing HRANA, said at least 500 people had been killed as of January 11. In the past, such crackdowns have weakened protest movements. International pressure is also rising, with US President Donald Trump warning Iran against violence and threatening new tariffs on countries trading with Tehran. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 82) 2022–2023 “Woman, Life, Freedom” Movement | Why they began: This movement began in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by Iran’s morality police. Protests spread rapidly across the country, with women, students, and workers joining in. Demonstrators demanded personal freedoms, women’s rights, and social change. Why they ended: The movement lasted several months and gained global attention. It gradually faded after mass arrests, public executions, strict surveillance, and continued pressure from security forces. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 83) 2019 Fuel Price Protests | Why they began: In November 2019, the government announced a sudden hike in fuel prices. This sparked immediate protests in many cities, as people were already struggling with rising living costs. Why they ended: The unrest lasted for about 10 days. Authorities responded with an internet blackout and a harsh crackdown. Hundreds were reportedly killed, and thousands were detained. The shutdown of communication and fear of violence caused the protests to end quickly. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 84) 2017–2018 Economic Protests | Why they began: These protests began in late 2017, initially over high prices, unemployment, and corruption. Unlike earlier movements, they spread to smaller towns and rural areas. Over time, slogans became more political. Why they ended: The unrest lasted for several weeks. It faded after security forces arrested many protesters and limited public gatherings. While the protests ended, the economic problems remained. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 85) 2009 Green Movement | Why they began: The Green Movement was one of the largest protest movements in Iran’s recent history. It erupted after the presidential election, with millions claiming the results were manipulated. People demanded fair voting, transparency, and political reform. Why they ended: Protests continued for several months. The movement lost momentum after widespread arrests, media censorship, and the detention or house arrest of key leaders. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 86) 1999 Student Protests | Why they began: The 1999 protests were among the first major challenges to Iran’s leadership after the 1979 revolution. They began when a reformist newspaper was shut down, and police raided a university dormitory. Students demanded freedom of expression and political change. Why they ended: The protests lasted about a week and ended after a forceful response from security agencies, along with mass arrests. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 8A Repeating Pattern | Over the past three decades, Iran’s protest movements have followed a similar pattern. They usually start with a specific issue, grow into wider calls for change, and then slow down after arrests, crackdowns, and limits on communication. While the protests fade from the streets, public anger often remains. The current unrest is not a one-time event. It is part of a long history of frustration over the economy, daily hardships, and demands for reform. (Image: Reuters)
