Tehran: The anti-government protests rocking Iran against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have sent shockwaves beyond its borders, stirring heightened tensions and unrest across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
As nationwide demonstrations enter their third week, fuelled by economic collapse, currency crash, and deep-seated anger at the clerical regime, the ripple effects are now felt in neighbouring Gulf states amid fears of regional instability.
The protests, which erupted on December 28 over soaring inflation and bazaar shutdowns, have spread to all 31 provinces, with crowds chanting “Death to the Dictator”, “Death to Khamenei”, and slogans supporting the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Security forces have cracked down harshly, leading to dozens of reported deaths, mass arrests, and a near-total internet blackout.
Adding fuel to the fire, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning: if Iranian authorities violently suppress peaceful protesters, America would intervene. Khamenei hit back fiercely in his first major address, branding demonstrators as “vandals” and “saboteurs” acting to “please” Trump, accusing them of ruining streets for foreign agendas, and vowing Iran would not back down. He mocked Trump’s hands as “stained with the blood of Iranians”, while crowds chanted “Death to America”.
The ABP Live report highlights how the unrest has “reached the Gulf countries”, increasing activity in GCC nations wary of spillover from Iran’s turmoil. With Trump’s threats looming, Gulf leaders face growing concerns over potential escalation, refugee flows, and threats to oil stability.
As the situation intensifies, the protests represent Iran’s biggest internal challenge in years, testing the regime’s grip and raising questions about the future of the Islamic Republic.