At Least Six Killed as Economic Protests Flare Across Iran

Overview

• Local reports cite two civilian deaths in Lordegan, three in Azna, and the killing of a 21-year-old Basij member in Kuhdasht during clashes with security forces.
• Police say 30 people were detained in coordinated operations in Malard on charges of disturbing public order.
• State-aligned Tasnim reports several detainees it links to hostile groups based in the United States and Europe, without specifying locations or dates.
• The unrest began with Tehran merchant strikes over soaring prices and a plunging rial and then spread to universities and towns including Lordegan, Azna, Kuhdasht, Malard, and Fasa, with damage reported to public buildings.
• Official data show prices rose about 52% year over year in December and the rial lost more than a third of its value in 2025, as President Masoud Pezeshkian urges focus on livelihoods and the prosecutor-general vows a firm response to violence.