The government has tried to justify the currency devaluation as a necessary measure to prevent the country’s foreign reserves from running out. Other austerity measures have also been planned for the near future

On November 18, protesters blocked the entrance to the country’s main commodities port, Umm Qasr, near Basra, leading to a 50% drop in operations

The demonstrations over deteriorating infrastructure and contamination of water have also acquired a larger significance with Iranian officials accusing Saudi Arabia of involvement in the burning down of the former’s consulate in the city