Iran Threatens 'Strict Action' as Economic Protests Engulf Cities, Gen Z Joins Uprising

• Protests against rising inflation and rial depreciation began at Tehran's Grand Bazaar, spreading to multiple Iranian cities.
• Shopkeepers, university students, and Gen Z are participating, with slogans like "Death to the dictator" and "Long live the Shah."
• Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned of "strict legal action" if protests cause instability or damage public property.
• President Masoud Pezeshkian called for dialogue with protesters; Central Bank Governor Mohammadreza Farzin resigned.
• International support for protesters came from exiled Reza Pahlavi and the US State Department.

Why It Matters: Iran faces widespread economic protests, with the government warning of a crackdown while also seeking dialogue.