Iranian rial faces sharp decline as protests intensify, acceptance curbed abroad

Protests against the sharp decline of the Iranian Rial and soaring inflation have been ongoing in Iran since December 28. The movement has now become an open challenge to the religious regime. Amidst these protests, a major development has emerged: the value of the Iranian Rial has now dropped to zero in Europe.

Iran is currently going through a deep economic crisis and political turmoil. Meanwhile, the value of Iran's currency, the Rial, has become zero in Europe. This means that the Iranian Rial can no longer be exchanged in European countries. The situation within the country has become so dire that local people are unable to buy even basic necessities. Massive protests are taking place in Iran against this economic decline, with demands now being raised for a change in the regime.

These protests began on December 28. Initially, traders protested against the failing economy, rapidly rising inflation, and the plummeting value of the Rial. The Rial's value has fallen to 0.000091 paise against the Indian rupee, and 0.0000010 cents against the US dollar. However, its value has become zero against the Euro. This means that the Iranian Rial will no longer be accepted in 27 European countries.

Sharp decline in Iran's currency

Iranian Rial's value drops to zero

Within a few days, these protests escalated from economic issues to a political movement. Protesters openly challenged the religious system that has ruled the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Late Saturday night, despite heavy security and an internet shutdown in Tehran, thousands of people took to the streets and chanted anti-government slogans.

Iranian Rial compared to the Indian Rupee

Activists claim that this is the largest mass movement in Iran in the last three years. Its impact is also being seen outside of Iran. On January 11, 2026, a Free Iran rally was held in Los Angeles, USA, which saw a large turnout. Pictures of these protests have appeared in the international media. Local residents are unable to buy even basic necessities.

The protests have now entered their second week, and the security forces have intensified their crackdown. Human rights organizations say that at least 544 people have been killed so far, most of them protesters. However, these figures could not be independently verified due to strict restrictions on information coming out of the country. These events have drawn strong international condemnation and further heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.