Early morning in Tehran, before dawn. A market shopkeeper stands in front of an iron gate, clutching a piece of chalk, his hesitation mirroring that of the entire nation. Prices are soaring, and customers can no longer trust the numbers in front of them. He knows that once a customer walks in, that number may already be obsolete.

In contrast, the hospital corridors are brightly lit. Medical staff have not slept all night as bed after bed is wheeled into the emergency room. Whispered sighs are drowned out by the sounds of gurneys, but everyone knows there will be even more people arriving today— the pain behind this economic collapse is like a trickle of water swelling into a raging flood.

Prologue: The Collapse of Life

On the streets of Iran, a five-year-old boy is shot in his mother's arms, his life coming to an abrupt end. The morgue in Tehran is already overflowing, and bodies can only be stacked in corners, even temporarily moved to the prayer room. A trembling medical worker helplessly says, "There are too many people; we don't even have time for CPR." These scenes reveal the overture of a nationwide protest, yet what truly ignited all this had actually been brewing long before.

Starting Point: From Economic Collapse to Anger and Protest

The economic crisis is a breeding ground for revolution. On December 28, 2025, daily life in Tehran was torn apart by economic data. Official figures show inflation reaching 42.2%, with food prices skyrocketing by 72%. For many families, what they could buy yesterday is now unaffordable.

Merchants in the market are afraid to set prices, as they know that prices devalue every hour. Soon, the first to take to the streets were not the politicians, but the shopkeepers and vendors who were forced to close their doors, their purpose simple and clear: we can’t go on living like this.

Qualitative Change: The Change of Slogans

The Iranian government did not calm its people but quickly adopted repressive measures, and the flames of anger quickly spread. Initially, the protests were about prices, but gradually, people began to question who was controlling it all behind the scenes. The slogans changed as well: "Not for Gaza, not for Lebanon, my life is only for Iran!" The people's voices drowned out the regime's lies.

When a regime can no longer persuade its people with words, only bullets and tanks remain, and the crisis of collapse follows. The Iranian people witnessed the regime allocating resources to Hamas and Hezbollah while they themselves starved.

Iron Fist: Suppression and Internet Shutdown

Faced with an angry populace, the Iranian regime opted for violence. The Basij militia on motorcycles stood ready, while citizens bravely stood in front of them. This scene is reminiscent of countless past protests.

At midnight on January 8, Iran was cut off from the internet, and after information was severed, the repression began. Exiled media reported that within 48 hours of the internet shutdown, the death toll could reach 2,000. On the hospital floors, the pulses of life intertwined with the silence of the departed.

Variables: The Influence of External Forces

As blood flows within the country, external forces begin to influence the situation. The exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi called on the public via social media to occupy the city center and stated that he was ready to return. Meanwhile, the U.S. President also issued a warning: "You better not open fire; otherwise, we will also fire." This threat made the Tehran authorities tread carefully, no longer daring to escalate repression without hesitation.

Even so, the sacrifices of the people will still be remembered by the world.

Unfinished History

As night falls, the city experiences a power outage. In the darkness, the lights from mobile phones illuminate a glimmer of hope. Protests have spread from market strikes to 31 provinces, shifting from survival to a challenge against tyranny; Iran stands at the crossroads of fate. The future path is unknown, but people understand that there is no turning back.

The Impact of the Iranian Issue on the World Economy and Investment Opportunities

The struggles and economic crisis in Iran are not merely internal events; their fluctuations will inevitably ripple through the global economy, impacting the stability of international markets and the investment environment.

Potential Impact on the Global Economy

1. Volatility in the Oil Market: Iran is one of the world's major oil producers, and its oil exports have a profound effect on international markets. If the situation worsens, it could lead to a disruption in oil supply, subsequently pushing up global oil prices. This would affect countries reliant on oil, particularly those that heavily depend on Iranian oil, such as those in Asia and Europe.
2. Restructuring Trade Partnerships: In the face of Iran's political instability, many countries may reevaluate their economic relationships with Iran. This could lead to a restructuring of global supply chains and even impact trade relations with other Middle Eastern countries. To mitigate risk, some nations may seek new energy sources or increase investments in renewable energy.
3. Uncertainty in Financial Markets: As protests escalate, Iran's financial markets might come under pressure. The phenomenon of foreign capital withdrawal could exacerbate market volatility. This uncertainty poses a challenge not only to investor confidence but may also affect the investment climate across the Middle East.

Investment Opportunity Analysis

1. Renewable Energy: As global reliance on fossil fuels gradually decreases, investment in renewable energy has become an important direction in light of the uncertainty surrounding Iranian oil supply. Investing in solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects, particularly in countries seeking diversified energy supplies, presents a promising field.
2. Infrastructure Development: The Middle East requires significant infrastructure investment, including transportation, energy, and communication facilities. Particularly in the context of economic reconstruction, infrastructure development companies may find new opportunities. For investors with a higher risk tolerance, focusing on international firms or funds involved in these projects could be wise.
3. Security Technology and Cybersecurity: As the political landscape becomes more turbulent, security issues will increasingly come to the forefront. Investing in companies involved in cybersecurity and protective technologies, especially in intelligence and surveillance fields, could become a promising direction. The demand for national and public security drives the development of related technologies, presenting substantial market potential.
4. Food and Agricultural Investment: Should the situation in Iran continue to deteriorate, its food security chain could be threatened, which would also affect global food prices. Investing in agricultural technology, food supply chain management, and related production enterprises could yield high returns amid instability.
5. Opportunities in Emerging Markets: Middle Eastern nations and surrounding areas may become significant directions for investments in emerging markets. While Iran focuses on diversifying its economy for survival, the exploration of neighboring and other potential growth markets will hold potential returns.