Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Apr 28: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council held an emergency meeting following intelligence reports warning of a possible resurgence of public protests amid a deepening economic crisis, according to media reports.

Security agencies cautioned that rising unemployment, soaring prices and worsening living conditions could trigger widespread unrest. Concerns were also raised about potential mobilisation by supporters of Reza Pahlavi, which could further intensify demonstrations.

Officials highlighted that recent government actions, including prolonged internet outages, have severely impacted livelihoods, leaving nearly 20 per cent of the internet-dependent workforce unemployed. The situation is expected to worsen, with estimates suggesting that up to two million more private sector jobs could be lost by the end of spring.

The report presented to the council described the country’s economy as being in a critical state, warning that it may not withstand more than six to eight weeks of the ongoing US-imposed naval blockade, which has already been in effect for two weeks.

Sources said the council also discussed the shutdown of key industries, including oil, petrochemical and steel sectors, noting that restoring these would take years. The closure of financial markets such as banks, stock exchanges and currency markets has further disrupted economic activity, making it difficult to determine the actual prices of goods.

Amid these developments, intelligence agencies have indicated that public protests are increasingly likely. Members of the council reportedly fear that any large-scale unrest during ongoing tensions with the United States or following a ceasefire extension could pose a serious threat to the stability of the Islamic Republic.