Iran Announces Financial Relief Amid Ongoing Protests

After a week of protests across 40 cities, resulting in an estimated 12 deaths, the Iranian government unveiled a financial relief program aimed at alleviating the economic hardship caused by prolonged sanctions, currency devaluation, and rising inflation.

Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani announced on state television that every citizen will receive for the next four months, one million tomans (approximately $7) monthly through direct deposit payments in the form of credit rather than cash, which will allow the purchase of basic necessities, The Caspian Post reports, citing foreign media.

Mohajerani said the purpose of the payments was to “reduce the economic pressure on the people."

The government has not said whether the allowance program could be extended beyond the initial four-month period. For now, officials have presented it as an emergency measure aimed at easing immediate economic distress as public demonstrations continue across the country.

Inflation reached 52 percent year-on-year in December, placing additional strain on households already grappling with stagnant wages. Over the past year, the national currency has lost more than one-third of its value against the US dollar, significantly weakening purchasing power.