Protests Erupt in Iran Amid Economic Crisis, Resulting in Fatal Clashes

Fatal Clashes Emerge from Protests in Iran

Recent protests in Iran have led to violent confrontations between security forces and demonstrators, resulting in at least seven fatalities. The unrest began in the capital, Tehran, and escalated on Tuesday when a group of university students joined the protests. These demonstrations were sparked by a severe economic downturn, with inflation officially rising to 42.5 percent in December.

Frustrated by the deteriorating economic conditions, citizens took to the streets, and by Thursday, protests had spread to various provinces, leading to clashes that claimed at least seven lives, according to officials. The fatalities indicate a government stance of harshly dealing with the protesters, who remain resolute in their demands.

While protests in Tehran may have slowed, other regions have seen an increase in activity. On Wednesday, two individuals were reported dead, followed by five more on Thursday across four cities, predominantly inhabited by the Lur ethnic community. This wave of protests marks the largest since 2022, following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody.

The most intense violence occurred in the city of Azna, located in Lorestan province.

Public Outcry and Government Response

Videos circulating on social media depict burning objects in the streets, accompanied by gunfire as protesters chant 'Shameless! Shameless!' A semi-official news agency reported three deaths, with other media outlets referencing this information.

In response to the unrest, President Masoud Pezeshkian's government has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the protesters. During a televised address, he stated, "From an Islamic perspective... if we do not address the people's livelihood issues, we will end up in hell." However, he acknowledged the limited options available due to the significant devaluation of the rial, which now trades at approximately 1.4 million rials per dollar.

The Iranian Prosecutor General remarked that while peaceful economic protests are legitimate, any attempts to incite insecurity will be met with a "decisive response."

Protests Intensify Amid Economic Struggles

Footage from the protests in Iran shows regime motorcycle police charging at striking shopkeepers on Jomhouri Street in Tehran. In a moment of raw defiance, one protester sat down in the middle of the road, directly in front of the officers, and refused to move. An act of pure… pic.twitter.com/ojtdqVINeB

— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) December 29, 2025