Marketplace All-in-One Frustrations over state of Iran’s economy
Dec 30, 2025
Theo Leggett, a BBC journalist focused on technology and industry, shares insights on Iran's economic turmoil, where inflation exceeds 40%. He highlights the protests from shopkeepers in Tehran over the rapid currency devaluation triggered by Western sanctions. Leggett also discusses a significant cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, revealing the vulnerabilities in the global automotive supply chain and how it has severely impacted production and suppliers. The interconnectedness of industries and the systemic risks exposed are eye-opening.
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Tehran Shopkeepers Protest Currency Collapse
- Shopkeepers in Tehran demonstrated angrily for a second successive day, shouting 'Bisharaf' at the government over economic collapse.
- Journalist Arash Azizi described widespread hardship as the currency lost half its value in a year and livelihoods tied to foreign markets plunged.
Currency Devaluation Spreads Economic Pain
- Iran's currency plunged roughly half its value in a year, eroding savings and linking everyday prices to international markets.
- Arash Azizi noted the economic pain is broad, affecting traders, merchants and those whose jobs tie to foreign currency.
Leadership Change Won't Quickly Fix Trust
- The government hopes changing the central bank governor will stabilise the currency, but public dissent is deep-rooted.
- Azizi highlighted long-term infrastructure failures like water and electricity cuts that have worsened regime legitimacy.