Iran's leadership is facing mounting pressure from abroad and emerging dissent from within as street protests over its reeling economy and the threat of a new round of military strikes hang over the country.
Demonstrations were reported in several cities, with markets and shops shuttered and students holding rallies at universities, on December 30.
This follows two days of demonstrations that saw security forces launch volleys of tear gas to disperse crowds. People were chanting anti-government slogans to protest a sharp weakening of the currency.
Third Day Of Closures
Videos posted on social media showed a third day of closures and scattered demonstrations. Images also emerged showing a heavy presence of security forces, sometimes again using tear gas.
"We're in a new phase of turmoil in the country, which is the phase of the dolarization of the Iranian economy...which led to protests," Tehran-based political analyst Hamid Asefi toldRFE/RL's Radio Farda.
"The situation in the bazaars and in the economy does not have a [bright outlook]. We can't say that in 4, 5 months everything will be back to normal," he added.
As Iran reeled from thestreet protestsput down with tear gas and batons, a new threat was looming from across the Atlantic as US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
Asked whether he would support new Israeli military strikes on Iran if it continued with its missile program or nuclear program,Trump was unequivocal.
"If they will continue with the missiles -- yes; the [continuation of its] nuclear [program] -- fast. One will be 'yes, absolutely,' the other one, 'we'll do it immediately.'"
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Iranians Clash With Police During Second Day Of Protests Over Economic, Currency Woes
Moments earlier, Trump also noted the domestic challenges facing the Iranian authorities.
"Theyve got a lot of problems in Iran. They have tremendous inflation. Their economy is bustand I know that people arent so happy. But dont forget, every time they have a riot or somebody forms a group, little or big, they start shooting people, he said.
Iranian Rial Plunges Sharply
The Iranian rial is trading at around 1.4 million to the dollar, compared to around 800,000 a year ago, on unofficial markets. Official exchange rates are better but unavailable to many Iranian individuals and businesses.
