Iran's Protests Escalate: Fatalities Reported Amid Economic Struggles

Protests in Iran have intensified, spreading to rural areas as economic struggles deepen. At least seven fatalities have been reported among security forces and demonstrators, signaling a potential shift in the government's response. The unrest, which marks the largest since the protests following Mahsa Amini's death, reflects widespread discontent over inflation and currency devaluation. As tensions rise, the Iranian government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its citizens. This article delves into the latest developments and the implications of the ongoing protests.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 10:34 IST

Protests Erupt Across Iran Amid Economic Crisis

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Protests fueled by Iran's struggling economy have intensified, reaching rural areas of the Islamic Republic. Authorities have reported at least seven fatalities among both security personnel and demonstrators.

These deaths could signal a more aggressive response from Iran's government to the ongoing protests, which have diminished in Tehran but gained momentum in other regions. The fatalities, which include two on Wednesday and five on Thursday, occurred in four cities predominantly inhabited by the Lur ethnic group.

This wave of protests marks the largest since the unrest following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. While the current demonstrations have not yet achieved the same nationwide scale or intensity as those sparked by Amini's death, they are significant.

The most severe violence was reported in Azna, a city located approximately 300 kilometers (185 miles) southwest of Tehran. Videos circulating online purportedly show fires in the streets and gunfire as crowds chant, 'Shameless! Shameless!'

The semiofficial Fars news agency indicated that three individuals had died in Azna. Other outlets, including those advocating for reform, referenced Fars for this information, while state media have been less forthcoming about the violence.

In Lordegan, situated in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, videos depicted protesters on the streets amid the sound of gunfire. Fars reported two fatalities in this city during the protests on Thursday.

The Washington-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran confirmed two deaths, identifying the victims as protesters. They also released an image of an Iranian police officer equipped with body armor and a shotgun.

In 2019, Lordegan experienced significant protests when residents reportedly damaged government property after a health scandal involving contaminated needles.

In Fuladshahr, located in Isfahan province, state media reported a man's death attributed to police gunfire during protests.

A separate demonstration on Wednesday night resulted in the death of a 21-year-old volunteer from the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's Basij force. The state-run IRNA news agency confirmed this death but provided limited details.

An Iranian news agency linked to the Basij blamed the demonstrators for the Guard member's death, citing comments from a local deputy governor.

The deputy governor stated, 'The protests stem from economic pressures, inflation, and currency fluctuations, reflecting concerns about livelihoods.' He emphasized the need for citizens' voices to be heard while cautioning against allowing their demands to be exploited.

Protests also occurred in Kouhdasht, over 400 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of Tehran, where local authorities reported 20 arrests and a return to calm.

Iran's civilian government, led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, has attempted to convey a willingness to engage with protesters. However, Pezeshkian acknowledged the limitations of his power as the Iranian rial continues to plummet, with $1 now costing around 1.4 million rials.

In a separate report, state television announced the arrest of seven individuals, including five described as monarchists and two linked to European-based groups. Additionally, security forces confiscated 100 smuggled pistols.

The Iranian government declared a public holiday on Wednesday, likely to encourage people to leave the capital for an extended weekend. The Iranian weekend falls on Thursday and Friday, with Saturday marking Imam Ali's birthday, another holiday.

The protests, rooted in economic grievances, have also seen demonstrators voicing opposition to Iran's theocratic regime. The country's leadership is still grappling with the aftermath of a recent conflict with Israel, which included a 12-day war.

Iran has claimed it is no longer enriching uranium at any of its facilities, signaling a potential openness to negotiations with the West regarding its nuclear program. However, discussions have yet to materialize, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned against Iran's nuclear ambitions.