Marketplace All-in-One Protests continue in Iran over economic policies
Jan 2, 2026
In this discussion, Mehran Kamvara, an Iranian analyst and professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, delves into the recent protests in Iran, sparked by economic despair. He highlights the devastating effects of currency collapse and soaring inflation, which have fueled public outrage. Kamvara also examines the recurring nature of protests in Iran, emphasizing the political landscape's volatility. Additionally, market trends like reduced U.S. tariffs on Italian pasta and the challenges faced by film critics in a digital world are briefly touched upon, providing a broader context.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Currency Collapse Fuels Popular Anger
- Iran's currency collapse and high inflation are driving widespread economic pain for ordinary citizens.
- Mehran Kamvara says preferential currency access for the well connected worsens shortages and fuels protests.
Budget Choice Sparked Broader Outrage
- The proposed budget that spared religious institutions triggered public outrage despite being a small share of spending.
- Kamvara links that budget choice to pent-up frustration and recurring violent protests.
Protests Are A Recurring Political Feature
- Mass protests have become a recurrent feature of Iran's politics and can turn violent.
- Kamvara says there's a continual risk they could exceed government control though not yet at a tipping point.