Iran Rocked by Widespread Protests Amid Economic Crisis, Weakened Alliances, Nuclear Tensions

• Widespread protests across Iran are fueled by a struggling economy, UN sanctions, and rising gasoline prices, challenging theocratic leadership.
• The rial has plummeted to 1.4 million to $1, and inflation is at 40%, leading to anger that escalated from economic issues to anti-government chants.
• Iran's "Axis of Resistance" alliances are significantly weakened, with Hamas crushed, Hezbollah leaders killed, and Bashar Assad overthrown.
• Nuclear tensions persist as Iran previously enriched uranium near weapons-grade and reduced IAEA cooperation, despite recent signals of openness to talks.
• US President Donald Trump warned of intervention if Iran "violently kills peaceful protesters," adding to complex US-Iran relations.

Why It Matters: Iran faces immense pressure from widespread protests, economic collapse, weakened allies, and nuclear concerns.