Iran protests: At least seven dead as economic crisis sparks unrest
At least six protesters and one security force member have been killed as demonstrations against rising living costs spread across Iran
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — At least six protesters and one security force member have been killed as demonstrations against rising living costs spread across Iran, marking the deadliest unrest in the country since 2023.
The protests began on Dec. 28 when shopkeepers in Tehran closed their businesses to demonstrate against the plummeting value of the Iranian rial, which has lost nearly half its value against the U.S. dollar in 2025.
The currency hit a record low of 1.45 million rials per dollar, down from 820,000 rials a year ago.
What started as merchants protesting economic hardship in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and Alaeddin Shopping Centre has since expanded to multiple cities, including Isfahan, Yazd, Kermanshah, and Mashhad, with university students joining the demonstrations.
Protesters have chanted slogans against economic mismanagement and called for stabilizing exchange rates and creating a predictable business environment.
The violence escalated on Dec. 31 when Amirhesam Khodayarifard, 21, a member of the Basij paramilitary force, was shot and killed during clashes in Kuhdasht, Lorestan province.
State media reported that 13 other security personnel were injured in the incident.
On Jan. 1, at least three people, including a boy, were killed in Lordegan County, where protesters clashed with police outside government buildings.
Security forces have used tear gas and, according to some reports, live ammunition to disperse crowds in multiple locations.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has blamed foreign interference for the unrest, saying Iran faces a “full-scale war” with external enemies applying economic pressure.
He called for national unity while acknowledging citizens’ hardships.
The government announced it would establish a “dialogue mechanism” with protest leaders and replaced the central bank governor on Dec. 31.
Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said authorities recognize the right to peaceful assembly and will “listen patiently even if there are harsh voices.”
However, Iran’s top prosecutor warned of a “decisive response” if protests threaten public security or damage property.
Iran’s economy has struggled since the US reimposed sanctions in 2018, with inflation standing at about 50 percent in December.
The country also faces energy and water crises, compounding public frustration.
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