Iran Erupts: Tear Gas, Deaths as Protests Over Economic Hardship Grip Nation

• Security forces fired tear gas at Tehran's Grand Bazaar to disperse demonstrators protesting rising cost of living.
• Unrest, most significant in three years, has led to at least 36 deaths and over 2,000 arrests; 5 minors among casualties.
• Protests triggered by economic hardship, including Iranian rial's record low against US dollar; merchants staged sit-in.
• Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for unified chanting on January 8-9; clashes spread to western Iran, including Abdanan and Ilam.
• Government announced subsidies but warned "rioters"; US condemned actions, Trump commented on potential intervention.

Why It Matters: Iran faces escalating unrest, violence, and a rising death toll amid severe economic hardship.