Overall Situation
Large-scale protests have continued across Iran for several days, marked by fatalities and mass arrests. According to Radio Farda, the Iranian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, at least six people have been killed during the suppression of demonstrations, with dozens injured and many detained.
Causes of the Protests
The demonstrations have entered their fifth day and spread across multiple regions. They were triggered by a severe economic crisis: inflation has reached 52%, while the Iranian rial has sharply depreciated. On unofficial markets, one U.S. dollar is trading at around 1.4 million rials.
Early Demonstrations
The protests began on December 28, when merchants at Tehran’s main bazaar closed their shops and marched through the streets. The following day, Central Bank chief Mohammad Farzin resigned, and authorities held emergency meetings on currency regulation.
Government Response
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he recognizes the “legitimate demands” of citizens and promised measures to ease economic pressure. At the same time, security forces warned that some protesters were exploiting the situation to create chaos and vowed a harsh response.
Expert Assessments
University of Tennessee scholar Saeid Golkar said the protests are driven not only by economic hardship but also by systemic repression and ideological policies. Analyst Ali Fathollah-Nejad added that Iran is facing multiple overlapping crises, from currency collapse to environmental degradation.
U.S. Statements
U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would “come to the aid” of Iranian protesters if authorities violently suppress peaceful demonstrations. The State Department said the protests reflect public anger over government failures and vowed to continue maximum pressure on Tehran.
Iran’s Response to External Pressure
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani warned the U.S. against interference, saying such actions would destabilize security across the region and advising Washington to “take care of its soldiers.”
Reports of Fatalities
The Fars news agency reported that two people were killed in the southwestern city of Lordegan. The rights group Hengaw said security forces opened fire on protesters. Additional deaths were reported in Isfahan, Azna, and Kuhdasht.
Disputed Accounts of Victims
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said a Basij member was killed, while human rights groups claim the victim was a protester. Independent verification of these accounts remains difficult.
Mass Arrests
According to the Tasnim news agency, at least 30 people were arrested in Tehran. Detentions were also reported in Alborz, Lorestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces.
Economic Measures and Public Anger
On January 1, markets in Tehran closed again as merchants protested inflation and the currency’s collapse. Authorities had earlier approved currency redenomination, but access to the official exchange rate remains limited.
Opposition Voices
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi warned that violence would only intensify protests, as many Iranians facing repression and economic collapse feel they have nothing left to lose.
Historical Context
The current unrest may represent the most serious challenge to Iran’s government since the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests of autumn 2022, which erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.