Protests in Iran

The collapse of the Iranian rial, soaring inflation, nationwide protests and an internet blackout all characterize the current political situation in Iran. According to the “New York Times,” since December 2025, the Iranian government has worked to suppress the flood of protestors filling the streets and demanding freedom. The government carried out extreme measures, including arresting protesters and closing businesses, to hinder the growing movement against the 47-year-old Islamic Republic system.

According to “PBS,” the Iranian government, under Supreme Ruler Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a mass government crackdown on protests, resulting in thousands of casualties. The exact number of deaths is unknown and difficult to discern with the government-imposed internet blackout. 

According to Amnesty International, Iranians currently demand economic freedoms in response to international sanctions, which caused the instability of the Iranian rial. Protestors initially called for access to essential services and improved living conditions, but this movement soon grew into a demand for a new system of government that centers on respecting human rights.

On the geopolitical stage, debates surrounding Iran’s oil resources and nuclear weapons have reached a new intensity. According to “NBC,” the U.S. government has increased pressure to secure a nuclear deal with Iran. In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump threatened violent military action “like with Venezuela” if Iran does not comply. Some Iranians advocate for U.S. involvement and foreign aid.

Other international organizations, like Amnesty International and the United Nations, continue to document and research human rights abuses behind the crackdown. These groups collect videos, images and interviews from the protests to educate the world about the cycle of bloodshed in Iran. 

Students feel that it is important to be educated on international conflicts. Yasmin Farahi-Far ‘27 shared, “I have several extended family members/family friends who I know have been affected by [the protests in Iran]…I think [Holton] should talk about it more specifically at school, [be]cause even though it's on the news, that doesn't spread [complete] awareness to Holton’s students.” 

Middle and upper school history teacher Christine Kulke explained, “If we're going to make the world a better place, we need to understand what's going on in the world. To do that, we need to stay informed and really listen to different perspectives on international as well as domestic issues.”