Protests spread across Iran for third day after currency hits record low

The Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar on Sunday, prompting shopkeepers in Tehran to stage protests, which have quickly spread.

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The protests began on Sunday after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar staged a strike when the Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar on the open market.

Since then, videos verified by BBC Persian have shown demonstrations in the cities of Karaj, Hamedan, Qeshm, Malard, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz and Yazd. Police were also seen using tear gas in an attempt to disperse demonstrators.

The Iranian government said it "recognises the protests" and would listen "with patience, even if it is confronted with harsh voices".

President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X late on Monday that he had instructed the interior minister to hold talks with what he described as "representatives" of the protesters so that measures could be taken "to resolve the problems and act responsibly".