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Cristina Chi - Philstar.com
January 2, 2026 | 5:11pm
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation of around 800 Filipinos in Iran as nationwide protests sparked by economic turmoil have turned deadly.
In a statement on Friday, January 2, the DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Tehran is tracking the unrest and checking on the Filipino community's welfare.
No Filipinos have been affected so far, according to the DFA.
Protests erupted December 28 when Iran's currency plunged to a record 1.42 million rials to the dollar. Demonstrators first took to Tehran's Grand Bazaar before spreading to cities across the country. At least seven people have died in clashes, based on reports.
What began as economic grievances evolved into calls for political and even regime change. Security forces have responded to the demonstrations with violence by the use of tear gas and, in some areas, live ammunition.
The DFA advised Filipinos to avoid unnecessary movements, especially crowded areas. Those needing help can reach the embassy at [email protected] or emergency number +989122136801 via mobile, WhatsApp, or Viber.
The current Filipino population in Iran is small compared to other Middle Eastern countries —more than 2 million OFWs work across the broader region, mostly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf states.
Most Filipinos in Iran are permanent migrants there, or those married to Iranian nationals, based on numbers shared by the Presidential Communication Office in 2023.
