Overview
- Unrest that began with merchant strikes in Tehran has spread through multiple provinces into a fifth day, drawing in students and closing some bazaars.
- State media reported two deaths in Lordegan and three in Azna after clashes, while a 21-year-old Basij member was killed in Kuhdasht, with overall tolls varying and disputed.
- Officials cited 13 injured among police and Basij in Kuhdasht and 17 injured in Azna, and they reported at least 20 arrests in Kuhdasht and other detentions elsewhere.
- State outlets said security forces seized weapons in related operations, including reports of confiscated pistols, as provincial authorities described stone-throwing and arson.
- Iran’s currency has slumped to around 1.4 million rials per US dollar and inflation remains high, while President Masoud Pezeshkian signals dialogue and the prosecutor warns of a firm response, with the US State Department voicing concern over crackdowns.