Iran Protests Spread Nationwide, Seven Killed in Deadly Clashes

Protests fueled by Iran’s worsening economic conditions expanded beyond the capital on Thursday, reaching rural provinces and resulting in at least seven deaths, according to Iranian authorities. The fatalities include both demonstrators and members of the security forces, marking the first reported deaths since the unrest began.

The growing violence signals a potential shift toward a tougher government response. While demonstrations in Tehran have slowed, unrest has intensified in provincial cities, particularly in areas largely inhabited by Iran’s Lur ethnic population.

Clashes Reported in Multiple Provinces

The deadliest incidents were reported in Azna, a city in Lorestan province, around 300 kilometers southwest of Tehran. Videos circulating online showed burning objects in the streets, gunfire echoing through neighborhoods, and protesters shouting slogans condemning authorities.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that three people were killed in Azna, though state media provided limited coverage of the violence. Independent reporting remains difficult, as journalists have faced arrests during previous waves of unrest.

Gunfire Heard as Protests Spread South

In Lordegan, located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, videos showed crowds gathering amid the sound of gunfire. Fars, citing an anonymous official, said two people were killed there during Thursday’s protests.

The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran confirmed two deaths in Lordegan, identifying them as demonstrators. The group also released an image showing what appeared to be an armed Iranian police officer in protective gear.

The region has a history of unrest, including major protests in 2019 over allegations of contaminated medical equipment at a local clinic.

Fatalities Reported in Central Iran

In Fuladshahr, located in Isfahan province, state media confirmed the death of a man during protests. Activist groups accused police of opening fire on demonstrators, though authorities have not provided further details.

Separately, a 21-year-old volunteer member of the Basij, a paramilitary force linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was killed during protests in Kouhdasht, another city in Lorestan province. Officials blamed “rioters” for the death and reported injuries to at least 13 security personnel.

Officials Acknowledge Economic Grievances

Local authorities admitted the protests were driven by rising inflation, currency collapse, and economic hardship. Iran’s rial has sharply depreciated, with the U.S. dollar trading at around 1.4 million rials.

Officials urged calm, saying public grievances should be addressed carefully, while warning against what they described as attempts to exploit the unrest.

Arrests and Security Crackdown

Iranian state television reported the arrest of seven people, including individuals allegedly linked to monarchist and Europe-based opposition groups. Security forces also claimed to have seized 100 smuggled pistols in separate operations.

To reduce protest momentum, authorities declared a public holiday citing cold weather, coinciding with Iran’s weekend and additional religious holidays.

Political Tensions and International Pressure

The protests come amid heightened tensions following a recent 12-day conflict with Israel and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran has stated it has halted uranium enrichment, signaling openness to negotiations aimed at easing sanctions.

However, talks remain stalled as warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continue over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.