Overview
- Rights groups reported at least four people killed Saturday in Ilam province’s Malekshahi, while official tallies indicate at least 12 deaths since Wednesday, including members of the security forces.
- Demonstrations that began with Tehran bazaar shutdowns over inflation have spread to at least 25–30 cities and into universities, with political slogans and reported attacks on state property, including a police station burned in Lorestan.
- Khamenei said economic complaints are “just” but declared that those he labeled rioters must be “put in their place,” signaling a mix of dialogue and firm security action.
- Tehran has reported arrests in the capital and other areas, suspended in-person university sessions, and declared public holidays as authorities try to contain the unrest.
- The rial has lost more than a third of its value in a year and official inflation was about 52% in December, underscoring the economic crisis fueling the protests.