Over 500 protesters in Iran are dead, and almost 10,700 more have been arrested as anti-government protests have gripped the nation in recent days. An internet blackout is making it difficult to get a precise confirmation on the number of casualties in the embattled region. The historic communication shutdown was imposed by local officials on Thursday, isolating Iran from the rest of the world as the unrest continues. Here is what you need to know about this increasingly dire situation and how it may impact the U.S.

What Caused the Protests?

The protests started approximately two weeks ago in the capital city of Tehran. Protestors took to the streets speaking out against widespread inflation; however, the protests have since transitioned to concerns about the current regime. The protests have expanded to over 180 cities in at least 30 districts.

The rising inflation caused the price of basic goods to skyrocket, leading to mass shortages and empty shelves. Compounding the situation has been the decision of the nation's central bank to stop a program that allowed some importers to access less expensive U.S. dollars. This ban led shopkeepers to raise prices or close their stores completely.

The decision of the shopkeepers was surprising, given their tendency to historically support the policies of the Islamic Republic. The reformist government tried to mitigate inflation by offering cash handouts to the entire country. However, that move did little to pacify residents.

The current unrest is the most dire situation of its kind since 2022, a year when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the religious police triggered the widespread “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests. This week's demonstrations have been responsible for at least 540 deaths, according to the U.S. Human Rights Activists New Agency (HRANA). At least eight of these fatalities are children.

History experts express that it is significant that these protests began with the shopkeepers, known as bazaaris in Iran. Because the bazaaris are generally loyal to the regime, the protests mark a meaningful shift in the overall support the government is receiving from ordinary citizens.

More About Iran's Current Regime

Iran has been operating as a theocracy since 1979. This is the year that clerics brought down a secular monarch who was partnering with the Western world. The result was the formation of the Islamic Republic, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This regime was then passed on to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Masoud Pezeshkian was elected president in 2024, instilling a more practical foreign policy. However, Pezeshkian's powers are limited in scope, as it is Khamenei who makes the important decisions for the nation.

Pezeshkian blamed Iran's ongoing unrest with foreign terrorists for the recent round of protests, accusing them of burning down important cultural sites, mosques, and bazaars. The president also put partial blame on last year's brief war with Israel for throwing his country "into chaos."

In addition to the deaths, injuries, and arrests, the protests could have devastating consequences for some protestors. Tehran’s prosecutor, Ali Salehi, said on Friday that some of the protestors could face the death penalty. Salehi warned that vandalism on public property could be subject to what he considers to be a "waging war against God," punishable by execution.

Although Pezeshkian ran on a platform that championed the working class, widespread corruption across all levels of government and other issues have put his reign in a precarious position.

Potential of U.S. Involvement

U.S. President Donald Trump said that the White House is monitoring the protests and weighing the possibility of American military involvement. Trump has repeatedly warned leaders in Tehran that there will be consequences if protesters are killed. Trump told the media on Sunday that he received a call from Iran on Saturday expressing their willingness to negotiate with the U.S.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed this sentiment on Monday, saying that his nation is ready to negotiate with Trump. Likewise, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that there is an open communications channel between Araghchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.

It has only been six months since the U.S. worked with Israel to launch attacks on Iran. Trump has hinted that more strikes against Iran could come again.

Most recently, Khamenei released a statement on Monday warning the U.S. to "stop their deception." The statement was published by the country's state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). Khamenei also used the opportunity to thank citizens who participated in the pro-government rallies.

Trump responded to the situation on Monday by announcing a tariff on countries that conduct business with Iran. The president said that the 25% tariff is effective immediately. This tariff would apply to China, as it is one of Iran's biggest trading partners. The White House did not elaborate on how it plans to implement the new tariffs.

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