Violent confrontations between protesters and security forces have escalated across Iran, leaving several dead as demonstrations over rising living costs entered a fifth day.
Reports from Fars news agency and Kurdish rights group Hengaw confirmed fatalities in western and southern cities. At least two people were killed in Lordegan, while three died in Azna and one in Kouhdasht. Fars did not clarify whether the victims were protesters or security personnel.
Hengaw identified the Lordegan victims as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh, describing them as protesters. The deaths have not been independently verified.
Videos on social media showed vehicles burning and running battles between demonstrators and security forces.
Chants against Iran’s clerical leadership echoed through several cities. Some protesters demanded an end to the rule of the supreme leader, while others voiced support for restoring the monarchy.
Video footages coming of the reclusive nation shows protests in Tehran, Lordegan, and Marvdasht in southern Fars province.
State media reported clashes involving Revolutionary Guards and the Basij militia, claiming one security force member was killed in Kouhdasht.
Protesters disputed the account, insisting the victim was a demonstrator shot by security forces.
At least 13 police officers and Basij members were reported injured by stone-throwing.
Government Response
Authorities ordered schools, universities, and public institutions closed nationwide on Wednesday, citing energy conservation due to cold weather. Many Iranians saw the move as an attempt to suppress protests.
The unrest began in Tehran among shopkeepers angered by the sharp fall of the rial against the US dollar. It quickly spread to universities and other cities, evolving into broader demonstrations against Iran’s political leadership.
The protests are the most widespread since the 2022 Mahsa Amini demonstrations, though on a smaller scale. Security has been tightened in key areas of Tehran.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said his administration is ready to listen to the “legitimate demands” of protesters.
Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that any attempt to destabilise the country would face a “decisive response.”
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