Protests sparked by Iran’s deteriorating economy and the rapid depreciation of the national currency have intensified, leading to the first reported fatalities in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. While the movement initially took root in Tehran earlier this week, the most severe violence has shifted to rural provinces and cities such as Azna, Lordegan, and Fuladshahr.
State-affiliated media and human rights organizations have confirmed that at least seven people have been killed since Wednesday. Reports indicate that security forces have utilized live ammunition and birdshot to disperse crowds in several locations. In the southwestern city of Lordegan, witnesses described the streets as a "battlefield," while videos circulating on social media captured the sound of heavy gunfire and images of injured protesters being carried away.
The unrest is primarily driven by a severe cost-of-living crisis. The Iranian rial has plummeted to record lows, reaching approximately 1.4 million rials to the US dollar. This economic collapse has left many Iranians living below the poverty line, fueling anger toward government mismanagement and alleged corruption. While the protests began with economic grievances, many demonstrators are now chanting anti-government slogans, calling for broader political change.
President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has signaled a willingness to negotiate, yet the president has acknowledged limited power to stabilize the currency or address the immediate financial grievances of the public. Meanwhile, state television reported the arrest of dozens of individuals, accusing some of having links to foreign entities or "monarchist" groups.
These events represent the largest wave of civil unrest in Iran since the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. Human rights groups remain on high alert, warning that the increasing use of force by authorities suggests a widening crackdown on dissent across the country.
