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.

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A large number of protests are taking place in Iran after the economic crisis that has been going on for the last one month. The appeal of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi is being considered an important reason behind the sudden protests that broke out in many big cities of the country on Thursday night (January 8, 2026). The situation became so bad that the Iranian government had to shut down internet services in the entire country.

These demonstrations got a new direction when Raza Pahlavi released a video message on the social media platform X and appealed to the people to take to the streets at 8 pm. Within a few hours of the appeal, thousands of people came out, due to which the intensity of the movement suddenly increased. Reza Pahlavi said, ‘The Iranian people have demanded freedom and in response the regime has closed the Internet and all means of communication.’

My fellow countrymen, today, Wednesday January 7th, your presence across Iran was unprecedented.

And this constitutes a declaration of readiness for tomorrow’s plan (the call for Thursday January 8th, at 8 pm).

Of course, reports have reached us that the regime is deeply… https://t.co/JJiTNZ8cxW

— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 7, 2026

Who is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi is the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. He was born on 31 October 1960. He was officially declared Crown Prince in 1967. However, after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the royal family had to leave Iran. Currently he is living in America. He has received education in political science from America and describes himself as a supporter of secular, democratic and human rights Iran.

Why did public anger erupt?

A large number of people took to the streets in Tehran, Mashhad and other major cities on Thursday night. The protesters raised slogans against the religious leadership of Iran. Slogans like ‘Death to the dictator’, ‘End of Islamic Republic’ and ‘Pahlavi will return’ kept echoing till late night. According to experts, there is a deep economic crisis at the root of the movement. At present, the Iranian currency Rial has fallen to a historic low. Inflation and unemployment are at their peak. The economy is in a dilapidated condition due to international sanctions. In these circumstances, the anger of the youth and middle class is now coming out openly.

Government’s response

As the protests intensified, the government shut down internet and landline services. Increased deployment of security forces. There are reports of use of force in many areas. During this period, 42 people have also died. According to human rights organizations, the number of casualties in the repressive action may increase.

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