Overview
- Authorities and local media report protests in at least 25 cities, largely in western and southwestern provinces, with attacks on public buildings and at least 30 arrests in Tehran.
- At least eight people have been killed since Wednesday, including members of the security forces, and an IRGC member was reported dead during clashes in Malekshahi.
- Ali Khamenei said grievances over inflation were legitimate but insisted there would be no dialogue with “rioters,” signaling simultaneous outreach and repression.
- The movement began in Tehran’s bazaars over hyperinflation and a collapsing rial, then spread to universities and smaller cities as political slogans surfaced.
- President Donald Trump warned the United States is “ready, armed and prepared to intervene” if peaceful protesters are killed, prompting Iranian advisers to threaten a “riposte” and caution of regional “destabilization.”