Iran Protests

• newEditor
• Geopolitics
• Citizenship
• +2
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• BTEC, GCSE

Introductie

Welcome to this lesson on the Iran Protests. It's part of the News Focus series which can be adapted very easily with new developments or for different age groups or learners.

Iran in protest

1

Yes

2

No

3

A little

Do you know about this news story?

What do you already know about the

protests in Iran?

How do you feel aboutthe protests in Iran?

At the end of

this lesson you can . . .

• explain why there are protests in Iran
  

• clarify why it is significant that bazaar shopkeepers have also participated in the protests
  

• explain why it is difficult to obtain reliable information from Iran

• clarify the potential repercussions and impact

What happened?

What?

Shopkeepers closed their shops in protest against inflation* and poverty.

The government is cracking down hard on the protests.

Where?

The protests in Iran began this time in the Tehran bazaar.

When?

On 28 December, the merchants of the Grand Bazaar in Tehran closed their businesses and took to the streets.

Inflation

Inflation means that everything becomes more expensive, while your money doesn't increase in value. So, with the same amount of money, you can buy less than before.

That's what we call inflation.

Background

Religious Regime

Since 1979, Iran has been governed by a strict religious regime. The supreme leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) makes the key decisions.

Political Freedom

In Iran, there is little freedom. People are not allowed to protest, and criticising the government can be dangerous. Women have fewer rights and must adhere to strict dress codes.

Economy

Due to high prices and inflation, life has become more expensive, and basic products are difficult to afford. Combined with the lack of freedom, this is causing a lot of unrest in the country.

Previous protests

2009

Green Movement People protest against unfair elections.

2017

2022

2025

Protests due to anger about high prices and little work.

After the death of Jina Amini, protests arose over freedom and rights, especially for

women.

Protests about water scarcity, severe economic crisis, and politics.

A fast-evolving situation

28 December 2025

Start of the protests in Tehran as a result of inflation.

8 January 2026

9 January 2026

21 January 2026

The government is implementing an internet and phone ban.

More and more people are protesting. The government is cracking down on the protests with a heavy hand.

Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledges 'thousands of deaths' in the crackdown on protests.

Eerst waren mensen vooral boos omdat alles heel duur werd en ze moeilijk rond konden komen.
Steeds meer mensen deden mee. Ook studenten en gewone mensen. Ze protesteerden niet alleen tegen de prijzen, maar ook tegen de regering van het land.

Eerst waren mensen vooral boos omdat alles heel duur werd en ze moeilijk rond konden komen.
Steeds meer mensen deden mee. Ook studenten en gewone mensen. Ze protesteerden niet alleen tegen de prijzen, maar ook tegen de regering van het land.

Eerst waren mensen vooral boos omdat alles heel duur werd en ze moeilijk rond konden komen.
Steeds meer mensen deden mee. Ook studenten en gewone mensen. Ze protesteerden niet alleen tegen de prijzen, maar ook tegen de regering van het land.

Initially, people were mainly angry because everything became very expensive and they found it hard to make ends meet.
More and more people joined in. Students and ordinary people as well. They protested not only against the prices but also against the country's government.

The government shut down the internet and phones so that people couldn't easily call each other or send messages. This made it difficult to calmly share news and led to more tension and unrest.

The government shut down the internet and phones so that people couldn't easily call each other or send messages. This made it difficult to calmly share news and led to more tension and unrest.

Ayatollah Khamenei confirms that there are thousands of deaths. However, according to him, it is not solely the fault of the Iranian military, but also of countries like America. They are said to incite and encourage the protests.

Internet and

Communication Shutdowns

The government does not want people to be able to talk to each other or share news. Therefore, they have shut down the internet and phones until the protests are over.

Media Censorship

The government decides what can be shown on TV and in newspapers. News about protests is often banned or misrepresented, making it difficult to obtain reliable information.

.

Control Over Information

Foreign journalists are not allowed to work freely in the country. Therefore, they often rely on reports from people participating in protests or on social media. This sometimes makes it difficult to be certain that everything is accurate.

Why no reliable information?

Why do

you think this is important news?

Waar kun je aan denken?

Grote gevolgen

Veel mensen betrokken

Opvallend / uitzonderlijk

Sluit aan bij eerder nieuws

What does this mean for…

The world?

Iran plays a significant role in the Middle East and has relationships with many countries, such as the US, Europe, and neighbouring countries. The unrest can have consequences for all of them, which is why the world continues to follow the situation in Iran.

Youth?

In Iran, it is mainly young people who are participating in the protests. They are seeking a better future, more freedom, and more opportunities for work and education. In the UK, this news prompts young people to reflect on freedom and human rights.

Everyday Life?

We mainly notice it when it appears in the news, there are protests in the UK, and the government's rules on travel and safety for Iran are tightened.

What could be a consequence?

Further Developments

• The Iranian government claims calm has returned, but cities remain heavily patrolled by security forces.

• Internet access is still restricted, contradicting government claims of stability.

• The UK announced new sanctions against individuals and organisations involved in the crackdown.

Further Developments

• US threatens military action over protester killings; Iran warns of retaliation against US and Israeli interests.

• Region remains on high alert due to escalating tensions.

Key Concepts

Tehran

Capital of Iran, where many of the protests are taking place.

Inflation

Prices rise and with the same money, you can buy less and less.

Internet and Media Blackouts:

Government measures to prevent the sharing of news.

Protest:

Actions where people demonstrate their disagreement with the regime.

Any Questions?

Laat leerlingen vragen formuleren over wat ze nog niet begrijpen.

BBC Newsround

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House of Commons Library

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News Focus lessons - short lessons on current events