Protests in Iran continue for the fourth day, covering at least 36 cities.
Modern.az reports that the demonstrations have spread to various regions of the country.
Protesters have also toppled the statue of former president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash, which was erected a few days ago.
According to Iranian state television, a member of the security forces died during mass protests against high inflation. Iranian media and human rights organizations report that several people lost their lives in clashes that occurred in various provinces of the country on Thursday. This is considered the largest wave of social protests in Iran in the last three years.
The reason for the protests is a sharp increase in prices, and in some regions, events have turned violent.
The Fars agency, citing an “informed source,” reports that clashes occurred between police and allegedly armed protesters in the western city of Lordegan on Thursday morning, resulting in fatalities.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday morning that a member of the “Basij” volunteer paramilitary force, affiliated with the Corps, was killed in the western city of Kuhdasht. According to reports, the deceased was Amirhossam Khodaiyari Fard, and 13 other “Basij” members were injured.
The protests coincide with a complex period for the Iranian authorities. The country's economy is under pressure from Western sanctions, and inflation has reached approximately 40 percent. Furthermore, strikes by Israel and the United States targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military leadership in June have also escalated tensions.
Official Tehran responds to the demonstrations with messages of dialogue alongside strengthened security measures. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohadjerani stated that the authorities plan to hold direct talks with trade unions and business representatives, but details have not been disclosed.
In recent days, traders, shop owners, and students from several universities have been holding demonstrations, and large markets are closing. On Wednesday, the authorities declared a nationwide holiday, citing cold weather conditions.
It should be noted that the Iranian rial has lost approximately 50 percent of its value against the US dollar in 2025, while annual inflation reached 42.5 percent in December.
