Protests in Iran sparked by economic woes now nationwide, activists say

Shops are closed during protests in Tehran’s centuries-old main bazaar (Vahid Salemi/AP)

Protests in Iran sparked by economic woes have now spread nationwide in the Islamic Republic, activists said on Thursday, signalling both their staying power and intensity as they challenge the country’s theocracy.

Wednesday was the most intense day of demonstrations, reaching rural towns and major cities in every province, though still localised enough for daily life to continue in Tehran, Iran’s capital, and elsewhere.