Protests triggered by ongoing economic hardships in Iran have broadened their geographical footprint, reaching rural areas and leading to multiple fatalities, according to official reports. At least six people were killed, marking the first deaths reported among both security forces and demonstrators during the current wave of unrest. These casualties occurred between Wednesday and Thursday in three cities primarily inhabited by the Lur ethnic group.
The recent demonstrations constitute the largest domestic unrest since the 2022 nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. However, this latest episode lacks the same intensity and nationwide scale. Amini's death, linked to alleged improper hijab enforcement, ignited widespread outrage across Iran, whereas current protests remain concentrated in select provinces.
The city of Azna in Lorestan province, located approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Tehran, experienced some of the most intense violence. Video content circulating online reportedly shows fires in the streets and gunfire amidst chants accusing authorities of shamelessness.
State-aligned Fars news agency reported three fatalities in the area, although official national media have not extensively acknowledged the unrest or violence. The restrained media coverage may relate to previous journalist arrests in 2022 amid protest reporting restrictions.
In Lordegan, a city in the neighboring Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province approximately 470 kilometers south of Tehran, videos confirmed the presence of demonstrators and audible gunfire. Local officials confirmed two deaths connected to protests there. The Washington-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights identified the two deceased as protesters and shared imagery featuring a police officer armed with a shotgun wearing body armor.
Lordegan holds a history of protest due to public health controversies, including a 2019 incident involving HIV infections allegedly caused by contaminated needles at a local clinic, which incited previous violence and property damage.
Additional clashes on Wednesday night reportedly resulted in the death of a 21-year-old volunteer member of the Revolutionary Guard's paramilitary Basij force. The state-run IRNA news service confirmed the fatality without detail. An affiliated Iranian news outlet associated with the Basij declared that demonstrators were responsible for the casualty, quoting a Lorestan province deputy governor who labeled the death as martyrdom during riots defending order. Reports also indicate injuries to thirteen other Basij and police personnel.
Authorities attribute the protests primarily to economic distress, including rampant inflation and currency fluctuations undermining livelihoods. Official statements emphasize the need to heed citizens' concerns without succumbing to exploitation by opportunistic actors.
In the city of Kouhdasht, situated over 400 kilometers southwest of Tehran, local prosecutors reported twenty arrests linked to recent protests, with public order restored according to judiciary-affiliated media.
Simultaneously, state television announced apprehension of seven individuals alleged to be monarchists or tied to European-based groups, alongside the seizure of a significant cache of smuggled pistols by security forces.
Iran's government declared a public holiday on Wednesday across much of the nation, possibly as a tactical move to disperse gatherings by coinciding with the weekend and religious observances. Iranian weekends fall on Thursday and Friday, with Saturday commemorating Imam Ali’s birthday, widely observed as a holiday.
Though centered on economic grievances, protests have also featured voices opposing the ruling theocracy. Iranian leadership remains sensitive following a recent 12-day conflict with Israel and multiple reported attacks on nuclear facilities attributed to the US, adding complexity to internal and external dynamics.
Despite Iran announcing a halt to uranium enrichment activities, indicating openness to diplomatic negotiations aimed at sanction relief, discussions have yet to resume. Meanwhile, warnings from international leaders caution Iran against resuming its nuclear program.