Panchkula, Jan. 6 -- As protests in the Islamic Republic of Iran enter their second week, former Indian Ambassador to Iran Gaddam Dharmendra on Tuesday described the unrest as an "economic protest" driven by distress, inflation, and unemployment. He noted that while protests are not unusual in the country, the participation of the influential trading class and students marks a significant development.

Speaking to ANI, Dharmendra highlighted that the current wave of demonstrations, which began in late December, is primarily rooted in domestic economic grievances.

"This is an economic protest driven primarily by the distressed economic situation in the country, the high inflation rates, and high unemployment. Unusually, this time, a very ...