Islamabad/Tehran, January 5, 2026: The Iranian Embassy in Islamabad on Monday said that recent protests by traders and shopkeepers in Iran, sparked by a sudden rise in the exchange rate, have been brought under control following timely government intervention and dialogue.
Briefing the media, an embassy spokesperson said traders and shopkeepers in several areas had staged protests in recent weeks amid currency fluctuations. The Iranian government, he added, took immediate notice of the situation and initiated negotiations with protesters through relevant authorities.
According to the spokesperson, Iran’s President played a key role in facilitating talks, which resulted in a mutual understanding to address the concerns raised by the protesters. He said the main group of protesters, particularly shopkeepers, has since officially announced the conclusion of their legal protests.
The spokesperson alleged that “enemy elements” attempted to exploit the situation by inciting unrest through cyberspace with the aim of creating insecurity and instability. He claimed that after expressions of support for the protests by Israel and the United States, a small number of people were mobilised in some minor cities.
“These elements were swiftly brought under control due to the timely presence of security forces,” he said, adding that law and order have been restored in several cities under the supervision of security and law enforcement agencies.
The spokesperson further stated that internet connectivity has been restored across Iran, though a temporary slowdown in some areas remains due to security and cybersecurity considerations.
He said the Iranian government, while recognising the right to legal protest, has continued constructive engagement with representatives of trade guilds and market associations, which has contributed significantly to stabilising the situation. In a few cities, he added, limited and short-lived illegal protests emerged but were quickly dispersed.
Crediting the “responsible behaviour” of legal protesters for preventing escalation, the spokesperson also alleged that some individuals arrested during the unrest had admitted to contacts with foreign agencies and receiving financial support from abroad. He maintained that attempts by Israel and the US to incite unrest through what he termed “misguided elements” were ongoing.
“The situation in Iran is under control,” the spokesperson said, adding that normalcy has largely returned across the country.
