Violent clashes erupted in several parts of Iran on Wednesday as anti-government protesters confronted security forces, marking the eleventh consecutive day of unrest driven by a deepening economic crisis.
Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, which is closely linked to the Revolutionary Guards, reported that two police officers were shot and killed in the south-western town of Lordegan. According to the agency, the officers were killed by armed individuals operating among what it described as rioters.
Videos shared on social media showed tense stand-offs between protesters and security forces, with the sound of gunfire audible in the background. In several recordings, security forces appear to fire live ammunition and tear gas toward crowds, while some protesters are seen throwing stones.
The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) said the protests have spread to 111 cities and towns across all 31 provinces of Iran. The group reported that at least 34 protesters and four members of the security forces have been killed, with approximately 2,200 protesters arrested.
BBC Persian has confirmed the identities and deaths of 21 individuals, while Iranian authorities have officially acknowledged the deaths of five security personnel.
The protests began on 28 December in Tehran, when shopkeepers took to the streets to protest another sharp fall in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar on the open market. Over the past year, the rial has plunged to record lows, while inflation has surged to 40%.
Iran’s economy has been further weakened by international sanctions related to its nuclear programme, alongside years of government mismanagement and corruption. University students soon joined the demonstrations, which rapidly spread to other cities.
In many locations, protesters chanted slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and in some cases voiced support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah.
Footage verified by BBC Persian showed crowds protesting in Qazvin, north-west of Tehran, chanting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Long live the shah.” In the Gulf port city of Bandar Abbas, demonstrators were heard chanting “Police, support us” before being dispersed by security forces.
In the Shia holy city of Mashhad, protesters clashed with security forces and forced them to retreat. Another video showed chants in support of the Pahlavi dynasty, which was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Later in the afternoon, a large demonstration took place in the south-western city of Abadan, near the Iraqi border. Protesters chanted, “Cannons, tanks, firecrackers — mullahs must go,” a direct reference to Iran’s clerical leadership.
As night fell, security forces were filmed firing tear gas to disperse a protest in the western city of Aligudarz, where crowds had gathered chanting in support of a popular uprising.
Following a cabinet meeting, Vice-President for Executive Affairs Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah said President Masoud Pezeshkian had ordered that no security measures be taken against peaceful protesters, stressing the need to distinguish between demonstrators and armed rioters.
State media also reported that the government has begun paying a new monthly allowance of approximately $7 to 71 million citizens in an effort to ease the rising cost of living.
Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that those involved in riots would face rapid prosecution and punishment to serve as a deterrent.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei previously urged authorities to engage in dialogue with protesters but said rioters should be dealt with firmly. His remarks followed threats from US President Donald Trump, who warned of possible intervention if peaceful protesters were killed.
Analysts say the protests have quickly taken on a political character, driven by deep-rooted public frustration over economic hardship and lack of future prospects. They warn that if momentum continues, the government response could become increasingly violent.
The unrest marks the most widespread protests since the 2022 demonstrations sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. Human rights groups say more than 550 people were killed and around 20,000 detained during the crackdown on those protests.