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The Conversation
The Conversation
Kamran Talattof, Professor of Near Eastern Studies, University of Arizona

‘Neither Gaza nor Lebanon!’ Iranian unrest is about more than the economy − protesters reject the Islamic Republic’s whole rationale

The aftermath of a protest in Hamedan, Iran, on Jan. 1, 2026. Mobina/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

A familiar slogan has echoed through the streets of various Iranian cities in recent days: “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, I sacrifice my life for Iran.”

That phrase has been chanted at protests that have sprung up around Iran since Dec. 28, 2025. The spark of the uprising and bazaar strikes has been economic hardship and government mismanagement.

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