Gen - Z Protests in Iran

● On December 28, 2025 Iran witnessed one of the largest and most intense youth-led protest movements, driven mainly by Generation Z (Gen Z). The movement is popularly known as the “Woman, Life, Freedom” (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi) movement.

● This protest reflects deep political, economic and social frustration among Iran’s young population.

Background

● The movement was triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22 year old woman in September 2022 after being arrested by the Guidance Patrol (Morality Police) for allegedly violating the mandatory hijab rules. Her death became a powerful symbol of state oppression and intrusion into private life.

● The movement resurfaced strongly from December 28, 2025 amid severe depreciation in the Iranian Rial (Currency), rising inflation and food prices, long-term economic hardship worsened by the US sanctions etc. The protests quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding an end to the Islamic Republic’s rule.

About Protest

● The Leadership: The protests are largely led by Gen Z (Iran’s youth born between 1997 to 2012, known locally as Dahe Hashtadi). This generation is politically disaffected, technologically savvy and openly rejects the regime’s ideological constraints and mandatory Islamic lifestyle. Their goal is the overthrow of the theocratic system, not just reform.

● Key Demands of Gen Z Protesters:

➔ The protesters are demanding an end to mandatory hijab laws and abolition of the Morality Police.

➔ Demands for Fundamental Freedom: An end to systematic gender discrimination and human rights violations.

➔ Political Overthrow: Calls for an end to the theocratic regime and the Supreme Leader.

➔ Economic Crisis: End of the government’s corruption, economic mismanagement and the crippling economic situation including soaring inflation and currency collapse.

● Role of Technology and Social Media: Iran has blocked approximately 35% of the world’s most visited websites including major platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), YouTube and often Instagram and WhatsApp. Gen Z uses Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and other encryption tools like the Nahoft app to bypass this ban. Gen Z utilizes social media despite censorship to organize, document police brutality and amplify their message globally, giving the movement an unprecedented reach and visibility.

Government Response to Gen Z Protests in Iran

● Iranian authorities publicly accepted that inflation, unemployment and currency collapse had caused public distress. They separated peaceful protesters from “rioters”, accusing violent groups of damaging public property and acting under foreign influence.

● Security forces including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij militia were deployed nationwide. Authorities used tear gas, rubber bullets and in some cases live ammunition to disperse crowds. Human rights organisations highlighted civilian deaths and detentions without due process.

● Iran changed strategy from visible force to technology based control. AI & Facial Recognition, CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition software were installed in streets, metro stations and shopping centres.

● Instead of physical arrest, the state issues digital fines sent to mobile phones, penalties linked to national ID numbers. Consequences include bank account restrictions and denial of public services.

● Iranian officials accused the United States of orchestrating and fueling the Gen Z protests through financial support, CIA operatives and social media disinformation campaigns aimed at regime destabilization.

● Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani urged Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UNSC to condemn Trump’s “reckless” threats as violations of the UN Charter.

International Response

● President Trump warned that the US was “locked and loaded” to respond if Iran used deadly force against protesters, increasing international pressure on the Iranian government. The long standing US actions, such as economic sanctions, withdrawal from the nuclear deal and involvement in regional conflicts have significantly weakened Iran’s economy which is adding to public anger.

● Israel and other Western countries have also supported protest narratives through media coverage and diplomatic statements which Iran strongly criticises as foreign interference in its internal affairs.

● The European Union expressed concern over violence against civilians and urged Iranian authorities to protect human rights and engage with protesters’ legitimate economic and social grievances.

● The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the use of force and urged investigations into civilian deaths.