Iran Protests Escalate: 'Reza Shah' Chants, 'Death to Khamenei' Slogans Ring Out

• Protests escalated in Tehran's Bagh-e Sepahsalar area with chants of 'Reza Shah' and 'Death to Khamenei'.
• Demonstrators invoked Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran's former monarch, while openly criticizing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• The unrest began on December 28 over economic issues but has expanded to political demands across 23 provinces and 45 cities.
• Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned against "rioters" but stated peaceful protest is allowed; 12 deaths reported.
• Iran's economy faces severe challenges due to sanctions, high inflation, and a depreciating rial, fueling public discontent.

Why It Matters: Iran faces escalating protests fueled by economic woes and political discontent, with calls for regime change.