Iran's Tumultuous 50 Years: From Revolution to Rial Collapse, A Timeline of Protests

• Iran has experienced waves of protests over 50 years, driven by political repression, economic hardship, and social injustice.
• The 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, installing a Shiite theocracy under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
• Significant protests include the 1999 student protests, 2009 Green Movement, 2017-2018 demonstrations over food prices, and 2019 gasoline protests.
• The 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, sparked by her death after arrest, led to a brutal crackdown but women continue to defy hijab rules.
• Recent 2025-26 rial protests erupted due to currency collapse after sanctions and a war with Israel, leading to internet shutdowns.

Why It Matters: Iran's history is marked by persistent protests against state policies, economic woes, and social restrictions.