Iran's Bazaar Merchants Lead Anti-Government Protests Amid Economic Crisis

• Iran's bazaar merchants, once the financial backbone of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, are now leading anti-government protests.
• Frustration has grown due to diminished political and economic clout, while the Revolutionary Guards tighten their grip on the economy.
• Protests, initially sparked by the rial's sharp fall, quickly turned political with chants of "Death to the dictator" and burning images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• International sanctions and the Guards' economic empire limit the government's ability to ease the dire economic situation, with inflation at 42.5% and the rial losing half its value.
• The clerical establishment relies on the Guards to quell unrest, despite their economic power struggles, as the country faces foreign threats.

Why It Matters: Iran's bazaar merchants, once allies, now lead widespread anti-government protests fueled by economic crisis and Guards' power.