During clashes linked to the demonstrations, a volunteer member of Iran’s paramilitary Basij force was killed, while at least 13 other volunteers and police officers were injured, according to Iranian officials.
The fatal incident occurred in Lorestan province, where authorities confirmed the death of a 21 year old Basij volunteer. State linked media reported that the security member lost his life during unrest near government buildings, an event that has raised fears of a tougher response from authorities in the days ahead.
While the intensity of protests in Tehran appears to have eased slightly, demonstrations are spreading to other provinces, signaling a wider wave of public frustration.
The protests first began on Sunday and are largely focused on soaring inflation, currency instability, and the shrinking purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
Lorestan’s deputy governor, Saeed Pourali, blamed protesters for the volunteer’s death, saying the violence was carried out by groups creating disorder in the city.
He added that economic hardship lies at the heart of the unrest, but warned that public demands should not be ‘hijacked by self-serving elements.’
Iranian state television reported that seven people have been arrested in connection with the protests. Authorities described five of them as supporters of the former monarchy and two as linked to Europe-based groups.
In a separate operation, security forces also claimed to have seized 100 smuggled pistols, though further details were not disclosed.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, addressing the nation, urged citizens to remain united and avoid further unrest. He suggested that the government may announce new economic measures within hours to ease pressure on households and improve purchasing power.
At the same time, the president pointed to what he described as foreign involvement behind the protests. He said Iran’s enemies are relying on economic pressure rather than military force, adding that no nation can be brought to its knees by sanctions alone if its people stand firm together.
The protests are centered in Kuhdasht, a city more than 400 kilometers southwest of Tehran. Although the president has hinted at dialogue with protesters, he has also acknowledged that quick solutions to stop the sharp fall of the Iranian currency are limited.
Iran’s economy has been under strain for years due to US and international sanctions. In recent months, the pressure has intensified, with the Iranian rial plunging to nearly 1.4 million per US dollar.
Official figures show annual inflation reached 52 percent in December, pushing basic necessities beyond the reach of many families.
Analysts say these demonstrations mark Iran’s largest protests since 2022, when nationwide unrest followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
While the current protests have not yet reached the same scale or intensity, they reflect a familiar pattern, economic stress, public anger, and a society searching for relief amid tightening conditions.
