Unrest across Iran has continued for a fifth straight day, with more deaths reported as protests over the rising cost of living spread to cities across the country.
Iranian media and human rights groups say several people were killed during clashes between protesters and security forces in western and south-western regions. Two people reportedly died in the city of Lordegan, while three others were killed in Azna and another person died in Kouhdasht. It remains unclear in some cases whether those killed were protesters or members of the security forces.
Videos shared online on Thursday showed intense confrontations, with cars set ablaze as protesters and security forces faced off in the streets. Demonstrations were seen in Tehran, Lordegan, and Marvdasht, according to footage verified by BBC Persian.
Many protesters are voicing anger not only over economic hardship caused by a collapsing currency, but also over Iran’s political leadership. Some have called for an end to the rule of the supreme leader, while others have gone as far as demanding a return to the monarchy.
Human rights group Hengaw identified the two people killed in Lordegan as protesters, though these claims have not been independently verified. State media, meanwhile, reported that a member of the Revolutionary Guards was killed in Kouhdasht, a claim disputed by protesters who say the victim was shot by security forces.
Authorities have responded by tightening security and shutting schools, universities, and public offices, officially citing energy shortages due to cold weather. Many Iranians, however, see the closures as an attempt to limit the spread of protests.
The demonstrations began in Tehran among shopkeepers after the Iranian rial sharply fell against the US dollar, before spreading to students and other groups nationwide. While the unrest is the most widespread since the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, it has so far been smaller in scale.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his government is prepared to listen to protesters’ “legitimate demands,” though senior officials have also warned that any effort to destabilize the country will face a firm response.
