Demonstrations fueled by Iran's deepening economic crisis expanded on Thursday, moving into the nation's rural provinces and resulting in the first reported fatalities among both security personnel and protesters. Authorities confirmed at least six people have been killed, signaling a potential escalation in the government's response to the widening unrest.
Fatal Clashes in Ethnic Heartlands
The deaths, one occurring on Wednesday and five on Thursday, took place in three cities primarily inhabited by Iran's Lur ethnic group. This marks a significant geographical shift for the protests, which had shown signs of slowing in the capital, Tehran.
The most severe violence was reported in Azna, a city in Lorestan province roughly 300 kilometers southwest of Tehran. Online videos from the area depicted streets on fire and the sound of gunfire, with crowds heard chanting "Shameless!" The semiofficial Fars news agency reported three fatalities in Azna.
Further south, in Lordegan, videos showed demonstrators gathered on a street with audible gunshots in the background. Fars, citing an anonymous official, stated two people were killed there during Thursday's protests. The Washington-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights identified the dead in Lordegan as demonstrators.
Roots in Economic Despair and a Martyred Guardsman
The protests, which represent the largest wave of dissent in Iran since the 2022 demonstrations triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, are primarily rooted in economic hardship. Iran's rial currency has collapsed in value, with one U.S. dollar now fetching approximately 1.4 million rials.
A separate incident on Wednesday night led to the death of a 21-year-old volunteer with the Basij, a paramilitary force of the Revolutionary Guard. State media reported the death, and a news outlet linked to the Basij directly blamed demonstrators. Saeed Pourali, a deputy governor in Lorestan province, stated the Guard member "was martyred... at the hands of rioters" and that 13 other Basij members and police were injured.
Pourali acknowledged the economic drivers of the unrest, saying, "The protests that have occurred are due to economic pressures, inflation and currency fluctuations, and are an expression of livelihood concerns." He urged authorities to listen to citizens but warned against allowing protests to be exploited.
Government Response and Regional Context
While reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has signaled a desire to engage with protesters, he has conceded there is little immediate relief he can offer for the currency crisis. Meanwhile, state television reported the arrest of seven individuals, including five described as monarchists.
The protests, though sparked by economic issues, have also featured chants against Iran's theocratic leadership. The government is still grappling with the aftermath of a 12-day war with Israel in June, during which U.S. forces also bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has stated it has halted uranium enrichment at all sites in the country, a move likely aimed at inviting Western negotiations to ease sanctions, though talks have not materialized.
In a likely attempt to reduce crowds in Tehran ahead of a long holiday weekend, authorities declared Wednesday a public holiday citing cold weather. The recent fatalities suggest that despite these measures, the economic discontent simmering across Iran is reaching a new and more dangerous phase.
