The demonstrations, which began with shopkeepers protesting soaring inflation and a collapsing currency, have since spread to cities across much of the country, prompting a forceful response from security services. Authorities say thousands of people have been arrested, and state media reported the use of tear gas in parts of Tehran. Iran’s judiciary warned protesters against further unrest, as human rights groups say the country is facing its most serious internal challenge since the nationwide protests of 2022.