Protests in Iran over the soaring cost of living entered their sixth day on Wednesday, following a significant drop in the value of the rial against the U.S. dollar in late December. The demonstrations, which began with shopkeepers in Tehran closing their businesses on Sunday, have expanded across the country, evolving from economic grievances into broader political protests.

At least seven people have died in clashes between protesters and security services, and 44 have been arrested, according to reports. The government of President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for national unity, attributing the economic pressures to the actions of what he described as Iran's adversaries. Despite government pledges to implement economic reforms and combat corruption, the protests have persisted.

The demonstrations initially focused on the economic crisis, specifically the rising cost of living and the plummeting value of the rial. The rial's decline has made imported goods more expensive, impacting Iranian consumers and businesses alike. The government's economic policies have faced increasing scrutiny, with critics arguing that they have failed to address the underlying issues.

The protests have spread beyond Tehran, with reports of demonstrations in other cities across Iran. The shift from economic grievances to political demands reflects a broader discontent with the government's handling of the economy and other issues.

President Pezeshkian's administration faces a significant challenge in addressing the protesters' concerns and stabilizing the economy. The government's response to the protests will likely shape the political landscape in Iran in the coming weeks and months. The situation remains fluid, with further protests and government responses anticipated.