Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Tuesday that the administration acknowledges recent protests and is listening to public concerns, even when voiced in sharp terms.
Her remarks came after merchants and shopkeepers staged demonstrations over soaring exchange rate volatility and the unprecedented rise of the US dollar rates in recent days.
Mohajerani stressed that, under Iran’s constitution, peaceful protest is a legitimate right of the people.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had ordered meetings with business representatives to address their demands, held a session on Tuesday with guild leaders and market activists. He pledged that resolving the problems of merchants and shopkeepers is a government duty and promised full efforts to ease their concerns.
Pezeshkian also announced four major agreements between the government and parliament to support the business community. These include: a one‑year suspension of requirements under the tax reporting system, halting the application of value‑added tax on guilds, suspending tax penalties, and freezing new licensing obligations under the national permits portal.
The president expressed hope that these measures, alongside continued cooperation between government, parliament, and market representatives, would allow merchants to operate with greater stability, reduce economic pressures on citizens, and help advance the administration’s broader economic agenda.
Meanwhile, Vice President Qaem Panah also said the government apologizes for inflation running at 40% and is working to bring prices under control.
