Protests in Iran: “Death to Khamenei” Chanted by Students

In late December 2025, massive protests erupted across Iran, with students and other citizens chanting slogans including “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the dictator.” The demonstrations, which began as economic protests, quickly transformed into broader anti-regime outrage directed at the country’s leadership — particularly Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

From Economic Anger to Political Defiance

The unrest was sparked by a sharp deterioration in Iran’s economy. The Iranian currency, the rial, plunged to record lows, triggering widespread anger among traders, shopkeepers, and ordinary families struggling with soaring inflation and reduced purchasing power. These economic grievances drew Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar and other commercial hubs into protest and strike action, effectively paralyzing key markets. AP News+1

What began as demands for economic relief rapidly adopted explicitly political demands. Chants of “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei” echoed through major cities — slogans that directly challenge the authority and legitimacy of Iran’s clerical leadership, especially the Supreme Leader. Wikipedia+1

Students at the Forefront

Students from universities across Tehran and other cities became prominent voices in the unrest. Many gathered publicly to protest not only economic hardship but also long-standing restrictions on civil liberties and political expression. The presence of students amplified the scale and symbolism of the protests, harkening back to Student Day traditions and earlier youth-led movements against the regime. Iran Freedom+1

University campuses have historically been hotbeds of political activism in Iran, and this year was no exception. Resistance networks and student organizers framed the protests as part of a broader struggle against authoritarian rule. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans rejecting both economic mismanagement and the political system that enforces it. Iran Freedom

Nationwide Spread and Clashes

The unrest was not confined to Tehran. Protests and strikes spread to cities including Karaj, Zanjan, Malard, Hamadan, Mashhad, and the island of Qeshm, among others, illustrating the depth of nationwide discontent. Demonstrators in many areas continued to call for systemic change and openly criticized the ruling clerics and their policies. NCR Iran

Iran’s security forces responded with tear gas, batons, and attempts to disperse crowds. Reports emerged of clashes between protestors and regime loyalists, sometimes including harsh suppression tactics. NCR Iran

Government Response

In the face of rising unrest, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged dialogue with protest leaders in an effort to defuse tensions. He called on the interior ministry to engage with demonstrators and consider their demands, particularly around economic reform and protections for livelihoods. ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International+1

Nevertheless, calls for “Death to Khamenei” and rejection of clerical rule mark a significant escalation in public rhetoric — shifting the focus from economic grievances to a direct challenge against the highest authority in Iran’s political system. Wikipedia

Historical Context of the Chant “Death to Khamenei”

The phrase “Death to Khamenei” (Persian: Marg bar Khamenei) is not new; it has been used symbolically by Iranian protestors in past uprisings since at least 2009 as a forceful expression of opposition to the Supreme Leader and the ruling establishment. Its re-emergence in the 2025 protests reflects deepening frustration with longstanding political repression, economic decline, and restrictions on personal freedoms. Wikipedia

What This Means for Iran’s Future

The convergence of economic hardship with sustained political slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei” signals that many Iranians — particularly youth and students — are no longer focused solely on economic policy but are demanding systemic change. Whether these protests lead to meaningful political reform or harder repression by authorities remains uncertain. What is clear is that Iran’s youth and broader population are expressing unprecedented levels of dissent that challenge the state’s traditional control.

References

News Sources:

• Telegraph report summary (students chant pro-women and anti-Khamenei slogans). The Telegraph

• Protests triggered by economic crisis according to AP News. AP News

• Iran protest details and strikes across cities. EFE Noticias

• Clashes with security forces in Tehran. NCR Iran

• President Pezeshkian calls for dialogue. ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International+1

• Protesters chanting slogans from historical perspective. Wikipedia

Contextual Sources:

• Student activism linked to historical Student Day movements. Iran Freedom

• Spread of protests to other cities. NCR Iran

• Analysis of youth and university involvement. Wilson Center

• Historical background of the slogan “Death to Khamenei.”