A timeline of how the protests in Iran unfolded and grew

Demonstrations broke out in Iran on Dec. 28 and have spread nationwide as protesters vent their increasing discontent over the Islamic Republic’s faltering economy and the collapse of its currency

Associated Press timeline: Protests began in Tehran on Dec 28 after the rial plunged to a record low (≈1.42M per USD) and gasoline subsidy price increases. Demonstrations spread nationwide over days and weeks, reaching hundreds of locations and university campuses; central bank head Mohammad Reza Farzin resigned and Abdolnasser Hemmati was later appointed. Violence escalated with the first reported fatalities on Jan 1 and further deaths in multiple provinces; by Jan 8–9 HRANA reported at least 42 killed and more than 2,270 detained. Authorities used tear gas and force to disperse sit-ins (e.g., Tehran’s Grand Bazaar) and reportedly blocked the internet and international phone calls to limit outside influence. Political rhetoric intensified (Supreme Leader urged security forces to act; U.S. president issued a warning), while protests' focus shifted from economic grievances (inflation, food prices, currency collapse) to anti-government slogans.