Protesters filled streets across Iranian cities this weekend to condemn the death of 22-year-old Masha Amini, who died while in the custody of Iran’s morality police in Tehran. Amini had been detained for allegedly wearing the veil in an unacceptable way, underscoring the strict dress codes expected of women in the Islamic Republic.
In the weeks that followed, the protests intensified. Officials have consistently claimed that Amini died from an illness rather than any violence, yet the lack of a clear explanation fueled anger and sparked the largest wave of demonstrations and unrest in Iran since the 2019 protests over fuel prices.
Youths and women have taken to the streets, burning veils and pushing back against restrictions. The demonstrations have continued despite disruptions on widely used social networks and the risk of police crackdowns. In Tehran and other cities, students and residents have faced tear gas and live fire, while videos from the scene have circulated online for global audiences to see.
At Shariati Technical and Vocational School in Tehran, female students gathered in defiance. In Al Hamedan, west of the capital, footage confirmed by AFP shows security forces facing protesters after some began firing gunshots. Across the country, marches appeared in Ardabil, and traders in Amini’s birthplace Saqez joined strikes. Youth groups at universities in Tehran, Isfahan, and Kermanshah have stood in solidarity, as images shared by supporters indicate.
Chants and banners carried messages like a call to action for the movement, with slogans urging an end to oppression and urging people to take to streets where security forces appear less present. The refrains include a direct demand for political change and a rejection of the authorities who govern the country, signaling a sustained insistence on accountability and reform.
international solidarity
As Iran’s protests entered a fifth week, they drew global attention and widespread expressions of support from multiple nations. In response, the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on officials involved in the repression, though some have since left the country. Human rights groups estimate a deadly toll that includes civilians, with Amnesty International documenting fatalities among young people and minors. The organization has emphasized the need for accountability and protection for protesters and bystanders alike.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has repeatedly accused the United States of attempting to destabilize the country. In the wake of EU sanctions, Iran’s foreign affairs leadership urged the bloc to take a more measured view of the demonstrations and acknowledge the underlying grievances of the Iranian people. During discussions with European leadership, officials underscored the importance of easing tensions and pursuing dialogue as a path forward.
The Iranian government has framed the protests as a challenge to national security while asserting that the country remains a stabilizing force in the region. Diplomats have described the crisis as a test of Iran’s resilience and its capacity to manage dissent without compromising public safety. The situation remains a focal point for regional diplomacy and international human rights discussions, with ongoing calls for restraint, dialogue, and reforms that address the concerns voiced by the demonstrators.