At Least 25 Killed, Over 1,000 Arrested as Economic Protests Spread Across Iran
At least 25 people have been killed and over 1,000 arrested in Iran as protests over inflation and currency collapse spread nationwide.
At least 25 people have been killed and more than 1,000 arrested during nine days of protests across Iran sparked by a plunging currency and soaring inflation, according to rights groups.
The demonstrations began in Tehran’s main bazaar and later spread to cities in western and southern provinces, reflecting mounting anger over living costs and economic mismanagement, activists said.
Although the unrest has not reached the scale of the nationwide protests in 2022–23, some demonstrators have chanted slogans targeting Iran’s clerical leadership, signalling broader political frustration.
Rights group Hengaw said four of those killed were under the age of 18, while HRANA reported at least 29 deaths, including two members of the security forces, and more than 1,200 arrests as of January 5.
Iranian authorities have not released a protester death toll, but confirmed casualties among security personnel, while police said they were acting firmly against what they described as “rioters”.
Iran has faced recurring protests in recent years driven by economic pressure, U.S. sanctions, high unemployment and chronic inflation, which has sharply eroded household purchasing power.
The 2022–23 protests erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody and evolved into the largest challenge to the Islamic Republic in decades, leaving hundreds dead and thousands detained.
Security officials have blamed foreign-linked networks for attempting to turn economic grievances into unrest, while the judiciary has vowed harsh punishment for those involved in violence.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged public hardship and pledged reforms, including changes to subsidy policies and monetary management, as the government seeks to contain unrest ahead of new economic measures due to take effect this month.
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