Iran Protests Enter Fifth Day With Multiple Deaths Reported
The IRGC confirmed a Basij member was killed, with authorities promising new economic steps in response to soaring prices.
Overview
- State media and human rights groups reported fatalities, including claims of two deaths in Lordegan and accounts of security forces opening fire on demonstrators.
- The IRGC said a Basij volunteer was killed in Kuhdasht, the first death formally acknowledged by security forces during the unrest.
- Tehran’s bazaars were closed on January 1 as traders rallied over surging inflation and a sharply weakened rial.
- Demonstrations spread to cities including Isfahan, Hamadan, Babol, Dehloran, Bagmalek and Pian, with chants against Ali Khamenei and support voiced for Reza Pahlavi.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian urged citizens to show solidarity instead of protesting and said the government will adopt “new decisions” to ease economic pressures.