Overview
- Security forces used tear gas to disperse dozens of protesters at the Grand Bazaar, where a new strike was called and sections, including the gold market, closed over currency turmoil and price instability.
- At least 27 people, including five children, have been killed and more than 1,000 arrested since the protests began on December 28, according to Iran Human Rights.
- Unrest has hit at least 45 cities, with the west particularly affected, as rights monitors report six killed by security fire in Malekshahi and authorities confirm a police officer shot dead nearby.
- Iran’s government announced a monthly payment of 10 million rials per person for four months to ease economic pressure, while the judiciary vowed no leniency toward what it calls rioters.
- Political signals remain split, with President Massoud Pezeshkian saying authorities will hear legitimate demands and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejecting dialogue with protesters.