On Saturday, Iran implemented a new pricing tier for its nationally subsidized gasoline, marking the first attempt to control soaring costs since the price increase in 2019 that led to widespread protests and a crackdown resulting in the deaths of over 300 individuals.

For generations, affordable gasoline has been regarded as a fundamental right in Iran, inciting mass protests as early as 1964 when a price hike compelled the shah to deploy military vehicles to replace striking taxi drivers.

However, the Iranian theocracy is currently under increasing pressure from the rapidly devaluing rial currency and economic sanctions related to Tehran's nuclear program.

This situation has rendered the cost of some of the world's cheapest gasoline, priced at just a few pennies per gallon, significantly more burdensome.

Nevertheless, the government's cautious approach to raising prices likely indicates a desire to avoid conflict with the weary populace following Israel's 12-day military campaign against the country in June.

"Our discontent has no result," expressed Saeed Mohammadi, a teacher who also drives a taxi part-time to supplement his income. "The government acts according to its own will. They do not consult the public for their opinions."