Protests Erupt in Iran Amid Economic Crisis; Three Reported Dead

Protests in Iran have escalated significantly, with at least three reported fatalities as demonstrations against economic hardship spread beyond the capital. These protests, which began on Thursday, are the most significant wave of civil unrest in the country since the nationwide outcry following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

Although the protests have not yet reached the same intensity as those in 2022, they reflect growing public discontent with the current economic situation. The protests initially started in Tehran but have now extended into rural provinces, indicating a wider disaffection with the government's handling of the economy.

The recent fatalities occurred in two cities primarily inhabited by the Lur ethnic group. Reports indicate that one death happened on Wednesday and the other two on Thursday. Videos shared on social media depicted demonstrators in Lordegan, a city located approximately 470 kilometres (290 miles) from Tehran, amidst the sound of gunfire.

The semi-official Fars news agency reported that two individuals were killed during clashes in Lordegan. The Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre for Human Rights in Iran corroborated these reports, sharing images of the unrest, including one showing an armed police officer.

In a separate incident, a 21-year-old member of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's Basij force was killed during protests in Kouhdasht, another city in Lorestan province. State media reported the incident without providing specifics. A deputy governor claimed that the Guard member was killed by “rioters” while defending public order.

Saeed Pourali, the deputy governor, commented on the protests, stating, “The protests that have occurred are due to economic pressures, inflation and currency fluctuations, and are an expression of livelihood concerns.” He emphasised the need for authorities to respond to citizens’ voices carefully.

The Iranian government, led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, has indicated a willingness to listen to protesters but faces challenges as the national currency continues to plummet, with $1 now costing around 1.4 million Iranian rials. The government has also reported the arrests of several individuals, including those allegedly connected to monarchist groups.

In a move that appeared to aim at reducing tensions, authorities declared Wednesday a public holiday, officially citing cold weather. However, analysts suggest this may have been a tactic to encourage people to leave Tehran during a long weekend.

While the protests are rooted in economic grievances, they have also included calls against theocratic rule. The unrest comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following a recent conflict involving Israel and concerns over Iran's nuclear programme.

As the situation develops, human rights organisations continue to voice concerns over the potential for increased violence from security forces, with reports of live ammunition being used against demonstrators. Activists have warned that any brutal crackdown could escalate the unrest further.

The protests have been marked by widespread economic discontent, with many Iranians living below the poverty line. Roya Boroumand, managing director of the Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre for Human Rights, noted that the public anger stems from the government’s mismanagement and corruption, which have exacerbated living conditions.

Amnesty International has also highlighted the severe human rights situation in Iran, noting a record number of executions in 2025, with more than 1,500 individuals put to death, the highest figure since 1989. These actions are seen as part of a broader strategy to instil fear and suppress dissent.

As protests continue to unfold, the world watches closely, with many calling for an end to the regime's oppressive measures and for recognition of the Iranian people's demands for better living conditions.