IRGC arrests riot organizers following Iran’s economic protests

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the detention of several individuals accused of orchestrating unrest in multiple areas, as authorities step up security measures aimed at preventing the exploitation of economic protests by organized and disruptive elements.

According to reports carried by Mehr News Agency, the Intelligence Organization of the IRGC arrested a group described as riot organizers in the city of Zanjan. In a separate report, Tasnim News Agency said similar arrests were carried out in western areas of Tehran Province, adding that criminal cases have been opened and formally transferred to judicial authorities for legal review.

Economic Unrest
The arrests follow demonstrations that took place in late December in the capital, where protesters expressed anger over the rapid weakening of the Iranian rial and the resulting surge in prices across wholesale and retail markets. Iranian officials, including senior political figures, have publicly acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances, particularly among bazaar merchants and working families affected by currency volatility and rising living costs.

At the same time, authorities have warned that such protests have been deliberately targeted by coordinated groups seeking to transform economic discontent into disorder. Security bodies have said some detainees admitted to receiving foreign-linked financial incentives, including payments in US dollars, as part of efforts to incite unrest, claims Tehran has cited as evidence of external attempts to destabilize the country under conditions of sustained sanctions pressure.

Policy Reset
The economic fallout has also produced political consequences. Amid mounting pressure and market instability, Mohammad Farzin stepped down from his post, marking a high-level resignation as the government moves to recalibrate monetary and exchange-rate policies in response to the crisis.

Iranian officials continue to stress a clear distinction between peaceful protest, which they say remains a protected right under the law, and organized acts of rioting, sabotage, or violence. Authorities have reaffirmed that dialogue will continue with citizens raising legitimate economic concerns, while firm legal and security measures will be enforced against those seeking to exploit hardship to undermine public order and national stability amid ongoing sanctions-driven economic strain.