On December 28, 2025, protests erupted in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and spread across Iran, fueled by decades of oppression and economic decline. Kurdistan Freedom Party leader Hussein Yazdanpana emphasized that the unrest reflects a deep political crisis, not just economic issues, citing a mismatch between the state’s identity and its diverse population. He noted the Iranian government’s lack of legitimacy and the impact of oppressive policies on various ethnic groups. The ongoing unrest is reminiscent of previous protests, raising concerns about potential violent crackdowns.
