Iran is experiencing serious protests on the ninth day after they began on December 28. The unrest started over soaring inflation and the local currency losing about 80% of its value in a year. Prices of basic goods have more than doubled, and official inflation is around 42%. The protests quickly gained a political tone, calling for change in Iran's leadership. US President Donald Trump has issued two strong warnings to Iran during the protests, saying the US is "locked and loaded." These rare direct threats may encourage protesters and further unrest. Iranian security forces have already used violence, with reports of over 20 deaths according to human rights groups. Iran's economy suffers under heavy US-led sanctions and corruption. Many Iranians blame wealthy officials known as "Sanctions Profiteers" for worsening the crisis by exploiting sanctions for personal gain. Protests began with Tehran’s Grand Bazaar merchants and spread to students, small businesses, and ordinary citizens. Anti-government chants against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have become common. Iran's government is seen as weaker than in decades. Its recent war with Israel damaged military and nuclear sites. Regional allies like Syria’s Bashar al-Assad have fallen, and groups like Hezbollah lost leaders due to Israeli attacks. US operations in Venezuela have cut off some financial ties. These losses have tightened Iran’s economy and isolated it internationally. Khamenei faces a critical moment as his years of building regional power and nuclear projects are challenged. With Trump back in the White House and Israel’s Netanyahu in power, Iran’s path out of crisis looks costly and unclear.