Amidst the increasing protests in Iran and strict warnings from the government, the tension in relations between America and Iran seems to be reaching its peak once again. Meanwhile, quoting the report of Wall Street Journal, it is being claimed that America is considering attacking Iran. The report says that the Trump administration is considering options for a large-scale airstrike on Iran’s military targets. However, no single strategy has been agreed upon yet. American officials have clarified that at present there has been no military deployment or movement of weapons. This plan is being prepared only for possible situations.

According to US officials, making such strategic plans is a normal part of the national security process. This does not mean that America will attack Iran soon. On the other hand, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has indicated to adopt a tough stance against the ongoing protests in the country. Iran’s Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad has warned that people involved in the demonstrations will be considered enemies of Allah, under which there is a provision of even death penalty. According to Iranian state media, the same charges could be imposed on those who help the protesters. Prosecutors have been instructed to prosecute cases expeditiously without any leniency and ensure strict action.

Trump supported the protesters

US President Donald Trump, while giving a statement in support of Iranian protesters on social media, said that Iran is perhaps closer to freedom than ever before. He wrote that America is ready to help the Iranian people. Apart from this, the US State Department also issued a strong message saying that President Trump’s warnings should not be taken lightly. The statement said that when Trump says something, he has both the ability and the intention to implement it.

Also read: ‘Protesters are enemies of Allah, will get death penalty’, Iran’s big announcement amid protests, will Trump take any action?

Iran is going through serious social and economic pressure these days. Protests are being seen against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in many cities of the country. People’s anger is not limited to politics only, but inflation, unemployment and rising prices of daily needs are also major reasons for it. Security has been tightened in many areas including the capital Tehran and efforts are on to keep the situation under control. There have also been reports of temporary restrictions on internet and communication services, which has further increased the problems of the common people. Let us know whether Iran’s currency is weaker than the rupee?

What is the real problem with the Iranian Rial?

Iran’s currency Rial has been under pressure for the last several years. The biggest reason for this is considered to be international sanctions. After America’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018, strict economic sanctions were imposed on Iran. This affected oil exports, reduced inflow of foreign currency and made banking transactions difficult. The result was that the dollar shortage increased and the Rial continued to weaken.

What is the current value of Riyal?

The position of Riyal in the open market remains different from the government rates. According to recent open market rates, around January 2026, 1 Indian Rupee was estimated to be equal to 16,700 Iranian Rials. This figure shows how fast the rial has lost its value. However, for the common man this only means that prices have increased and there is no significant value left in savings.

Purchasing power of 1 rupee vs Iran

If we compare, the picture becomes clearer. In India, even if limited to Rs 100, some needs are fulfilled. Whereas in Iran, small daily expenses can be easily covered with the same 100 rupees, which is equivalent to about 16.7 lakh riyals. This difference shows how much the value of the riyal has fallen, although it does not mean that life there has become cheaper. In fact, inflation is so high that even with more riyals, people’s problems do not reduce.

Why is the economy not able to recover?

Experts believe that Iran’s economic troubles are not just of recent years. Decades of mismanagement, government control, allegations of corruption and lack of foreign investment have worsened the situation. When investor confidence weakens, the currency is directly affected. Along with this, political uncertainty and regional tensions also increase pressure on the Rial.

What is the difference between the currencies of India and Iran?

While Iran’s currency is deeply affected by sanctions and inflation, the Indian rupee has remained relatively stable despite all the global challenges. India’s diverse economy, domestic market and confidence in foreign investment support the rupee. This is the reason why today the Indian Rupee appears much stronger than the Iranian Rial.

Also read: Trump has banned travel in which 21 countries, can USA put any country in this list?

The movement that started against inflation in Iran has now turned into a demonstration challenging the power of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protesters are raising slogans of handing over the power of the country to Iran’s opposition leader and exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Iran’s state TV gave information about the protests for the first time and claimed that ‘terrorist agents’ of America and Israel spoiled the atmosphere. Addressing the nation, Khamenei said that some rioters wanted to please US President Donald Trump.

Will not tolerate mercenaries: Khamenei
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asked protesters to focus on their country’s problems. He warned that Tehran would not tolerate people working as mercenaries for foreigners. He accused the protesters of ‘causing havoc in their own country to please a foreign leader, especially US President Donald Trump.’ According to the report of news agency Associated Press, when Khamenei was saying these things, the crowd raised slogans of Down with America.

Trump’s hands are stained with the blood of thousands of Iranians: Khamenei

Khamenei said, ‘Everyone should be made to understand that we came to power after millions of sacrifices and are not going to bow down so easily. There are many problems within the United States. If he knew how to run a country, he would have run his own country. During this, Khamenei also mentioned the American attack on Iran’s nuclear plants in June 2025. He said, ‘American President Trump’s hands are stained with the blood of thousands of Iranians. Youth of Iran, maintain unity and readiness. A united nation can win over any enemy.

Raza Pahlavi called for demonstration

Reza Pahlavi told the people of Iran in a social media post, ‘The eyes of the whole world are on you. Take to the streets. Iran’s state television showed fires in metro stations and banks and burning buses and cars. Television accused the People’s Mujahideen Organization (MKO), an opposition group that broke away after the 1979 Islamic revolution, of being behind the unrest.

Internet and telephone lines were cut in the country on Thursday (8 January 2026) night after protesters joined protests in Tehran and other parts of the country on the call of Iran’s exiled Prince. Internet company ‘Cloudflare’ and another company ‘Netblox’ reported the loss of internet connectivity and both claimed the interference of the Iranian government for this.

Protests in Iran have spread to 111 cities and towns in all 31 provinces. According to reports, at least 34 protesters and 4 security personnel have been killed so far. 2,200 protesters have been arrested.