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Six killed as Iran protests escalate over cost-of-living crisis
At least six people have died in Iran during a fifth consecutive day of protests against soaring living costs and economic instability, according to reports from semi-official sources and human rights groups.
Clashes spread across multiple cities
Two fatalities occurred in Lordegan, a city in southwestern Iran, where security forces clashed with demonstrators, according to the semi-official Fars news agency and the human rights organization Hengaw. Hengaw identified the victims as protesters Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh. Fars did not specify whether those killed were demonstrators or security personnel.
Three additional deaths were reported in Azna, while another fatality occurred in Kouhdasht, both located in western Iran. Social media footage verified by BBC Persian showed burning vehicles and running street battles between protesters and authorities in Lordegan, Tehran, and Marvdasht in southern Fars province.
Conflicting accounts of security force casualty
State media reported that a member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) was killed in clashes with protesters late Wednesday in Kouhdasht. However, protesters claim the victim was one of their own, shot by security forces. The BBC has not independently confirmed either account. Additionally, state media stated that 13 police officers and Basij militia members were injured by stone-throwing demonstrators in the same area.
Protesters demand political change
Demonstrations initially erupted in Tehran among shopkeepers angered by another sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial against the U.S. dollar. By Tuesday, university students had joined the movement, which quickly spread to several cities. Protesters have chanted slogans against the country's clerical leadership, with some calling for an end to the rule of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and others advocating for a return to monarchy.
Government responds with closures and warnings
Schools, universities, and public institutions across Iran were closed Wednesday after authorities declared a bank holiday, ostensibly to conserve energy due to cold weather. Many Iranians, however, viewed the move as an attempt to suppress the protests. Security has been tightened in key areas of Tehran where demonstrations began.
President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his government would address the "legitimate demands" of protesters. In contrast, Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that any attempts to destabilize the country would be met with a "decisive response."
Protests echo 2022 uprising but remain smaller in scale
While these demonstrations represent the most significant unrest since the 2022 protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini-a young woman detained by morality police for allegedly improper veiling-they have not yet reached the same magnitude. Amini's death sparked nationwide outrage and months of sustained protests.
