According to available data, two people died in the city of Lordegan, located in the southwest of the country. In Lorestan province, three people lost their lives in the city of Azna, and another one in Kuhdasht in western Iran. Reports vary on whether the victims were protesters or security personnel.
Human rights activists from Hengaw claim that two of the deceased in Lordegan were protesters killed by security forces. There is also a report of one person dying in Kuhdasht. At the same time, Iranian authorities confirmed the death of one security personnel associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who, they say, was killed during the clashes. Reports indicate that 13 security personnel were also injured.
According to reports, the protests, which initially began as peaceful demonstrations by dissatisfied shop owners, transformed into street clashes. Protesters are setting cars on fire and throwing stones at the police, while security forces are using tear gas and, according to human rights activists, in some cases opening fire on demonstrators. Dozens of participants in the protests have been arrested.
Videos of burning cars and riots have been posted on social media. Students have also joined the protests, and slogans directed against the current authorities, including calls to end the rule of the Supreme Leader, can be heard in various cities.
The unrest is occurring against the backdrop of a severe economic situation caused by Western sanctions and inflation, which is estimated to reach 40%. Authorities have closed schools, universities, and government institutions, citing energy-saving measures; however, many citizens perceive this as an attempt to suppress protest sentiments.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the authorities are ready to listen to the "legitimate demands" of the protesters, while the country's Attorney General warned of a "decisive response" to any attempts to destabilize the situation.
