Several individuals lost their lives during disturbances in Iran, as reported by Iranian media and rights organizations on Thursday. The nation witnessed significant protests due to deteriorating economic conditions, resulting in violence across various provinces.
According to the semi-official Fars news agency, three protesters were killed and 17 others were injured during an assault on a police station in Lorestan, a province in western Iran. The incident occurred when protesters invaded the police headquarters, engaging in clashes with authorities and setting multiple police vehicles on fire.
Earlier reports from Fars and the rights group Hengaw indicated fatalities in Lordegan city in Charmahal and Bakhtiari province. Additionally, one death was confirmed in Kuhdasht in the western region, while another fatality was reported in Isfahan province.
The clashes between demonstrators and security forces mark a significant escalation in the ongoing unrest that began when shopkeepers protested against the government’s response to a sharp currency devaluation and soaring prices.
Fars disclosed that two individuals were killed in Lordegan during clashes between security forces and what they referred to as armed protesters. The Revolutionary Guards confirmed the death of a member of their Basij volunteer paramilitary unit in Kuhdasht, with several others wounded.
The Basij, a volunteer paramilitary force loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused individuals involved in the Kuhdasht unrest of exploiting the situation of public protests. However, Hengaw claimed that the deceased protester was shot by security forces while participating in the demonstration.
Furthermore, Hengaw reported the death of a protester in Isfahan province. Protests also erupted in Marvdasht in Fars province, with reports of detentions in Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Hamedan provinces.
Amid Western sanctions and internal economic challenges, Iran’s government has faced mounting pressure. Responding to the protests, Tehran offered dialogues alongside security measures. The authorities announced plans to engage in direct discussions with representatives of trade unions and merchants.
Merchants, shop owners, and students from various Iranian universities have been actively demonstrating, leading to the closure of major bazaars. The government declared a holiday due to cold weather, effectively shutting down several parts of the country.
In recent years, Iranian authorities have suppressed protests on various issues using stringent security measures and widespread arrests. The country’s economy has been under strain due to U.S. and Western sanctions related to its nuclear program, aggravated by regional tensions and military conflicts. In 2025, the Iranian rial depreciated significantly against the dollar, with official inflation peaking at 42.5 percent in December.
