India, Jan. 15 -- Iran has entered 2026 facing one of its most serious economic tests in decades as its national currency, the rial, continues to slide sharply, deepening public anger and triggering fresh protests across major cities. The currency collapse has added fuel to existing unrest, turning economic frustration into a broader challenge for the Iranian leadership.

Years of sanctions, political isolation, inflation, and mismanagement have already stretched the economy. Now, the rapid fall of the rial has pushed everyday costs beyond reach for ordinary Iranians, intensifying calls for accountability and reform.

The latest wave of unrest began after Iran's currency fell to a new historic low in open market trading late last month. T...