Deadly Unrest Spreads Across Iran Amid Economic Crisis

At least six people have been killed in widespread protests across Iran, according to reports from Iranian media and international human rights groups on Thursday. The unrest, now entering its fifth day, represents the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic’s leadership since the 2022-2023 protest movement and has been met with a mix of promises for dialogue and a forceful security crackdown.

The protests erupted on Sunday, initially led by merchants and shopkeepers furious over the government’s economic management as the national currency, the rial, continues its precipitous fall and inflation surpasses 40%. The demonstrations have rapidly spread from the bustling bazaars to university campuses and streets in multiple provinces, evolving into a broader expression of public anger over living standards and governance.

A Detailed Account of the Violence

Conflicting narratives have emerged from Iranian authorities and rights monitors regarding the circumstances of the deaths.

• In Lorestan Province, the semi-official Fars news agency reported that three protesters were killed and 17 injured during an attack on a police station in the city of Khorramabad. Fars described “rioters” clashing with police and setting fire to vehicles. Reuters cited the report but could not independently verify it.

• In Lordegan (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province), both Fars and the Norway-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported fatalities. Fars claimed two people described as “armed protesters” were killed in clashes with security services. Hengaw stated that “several people” had been killed and wounded there by security forces.

• In Kuhdasht (Lorestan Province), authorities confirmed one death. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) identified the deceased as Amirhossam Khodayari Fard, a member of its Basij volunteer paramilitary force, blaming “demonstrators who took advantage of the protests.” In stark contradiction, Hengaw reported that the man was himself a protester killed by security forces.

• In Isfahan Province, Hengaw reported that a protester was shot dead by security forces on Wednesday.

A Nationwide Movement Meets a Firm Response

The protests have ignited in several other cities. The activist news agency HRANA reported new demonstrations on Thursday in Marvdasht in Fars province. Hengaw noted detentions of protesters on Wednesday in the western provinces of Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Hamedan.

In a notable attempt to stifle the momentum, the government declared an unscheduled nationwide public holiday on Wednesday, officially citing cold weather, which effectively shut down businesses and major commercial centers.

A Critical Juncture for the Leadership

The unrest strikes at a precarious moment for Iran’s clerical establishment. The economy is buckling under the weight of decades of stringent Western sanctions, primarily targeting its nuclear program, which have been exacerbated by regional military confrontations. A 12-day aerial conflict with Israel in June, followed by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, has further strained national resources and morale.

In response to the crisis, the government has offered a two-pronged approach. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated on Thursday that authorities were prepared for “direct dialogue” with representatives of trade unions and merchants. Simultaneously, security apparatuses like the IRGC and its Basij force—loyal directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—have framed the violence as the work of opportunists exploiting legitimate grievances, signaling a continued willingness to use force.

The coming days will test whether the offer of economic dialogue can quell the deep-seated public frustration, or if the state’s security response will further inflame tensions. The situation remains fluid, with internet disruptions reported in affected areas, hindering the flow of information and independent verification of events on the ground.

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