Iran is said to be developing chemical and biological warheads for its ballistic missiles, even as the nation grapples with increasing domestic unrest driven by a plummeting currency and skyrocketing inflation, according to an exclusive report from Iran International published on Sunday.

The outlet, citing anonymous military and security sources, stated that work on unconventional missile payloads has been accelerated alongside upgrades to command-and-control systems. If confirmed, these developments would spark significant concerns in Washington and Israel—especially as Tehran works to contain rising public anger at home.

This report arrives as Israeli Prime Minister is set to meet with U.S. President on Monday, with Iran’s missile program and broader regional security threats expected to be key topics, according to Israeli and U.S. officials familiar with the discussions. The talks will also likely address the Gaza war, amid U.S. officials’ concerns that Netanyahu has put off advancing a postwar framework and ceasefire-related measures.

Per Iran International, missile infrastructure has been relocated and expanded, with some launch assets reportedly moved to eastern Iran to minimize vulnerability. The report claims the IRGC is investigating nonconventional warhead configurations for long-range missiles.

Tehran has long denied pursuing chemical or biological weapons, maintaining that its missile program is defensive in nature. Iran is a signatory to the , though Western governments have repeatedly accused the Islamic Republic of breaching international norms.

The missile report aligns with escalating economic unrest within Iran. reported on Monday that shopkeepers in Tehran closed major markets for a second straight day, protesting inflation and the collapse of the national currency.

A shared on Simay Azadi’s TV X account on Monday depicted a large crowd marching in the streets and shouting slogans against the regime.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an Iranian opposition group, stated that the strikes have spread across several commercial districts—including the Gold Bazaar and central arcades—with crowds gathering in adjacent streets. The group also alleged that security forces affiliated with the IRGC have been placed on heightened alert in Tehran, with additional units on standby in nearby provinces. These claims could not be independently verified.

In a statement, Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI’s president-elect, noted that the protests reflect public anger over high prices, inflation, and political repression, and urged Iranians to back the striking merchants.

The Iranian rial has dropped to a new all-time low against the U.S. dollar. Official data indicates that year-over-year inflation reached 52.6% in December, while average annual inflation stood at 42.2%. Videos circulating online show chants directed at government officials and increasing frustration among merchants—a group traditionally seen as a key pillar of support for the regime.