Iran Faces Deadliest Unrest in Years as Economic Crisis Fuels Nationwide Protests

Widespread protests across Iran have escalated into the country’s deadliest unrest since 2022, as a collapsing economy, soaring inflation, and a steep currency devaluation drive public anger into the streets. Demonstrations that began among Tehran shopkeepers have rapidly spread to multiple provinces, drawing in students, traders, and residents from both urban and rural areas.

Rights groups report that at least 27 protesters, including minors, have been killed in clashes with security forces, though state media has confirmed only a smaller number of fatalities. Additional deaths have been reported among police and Basij paramilitary members, underscoring the intensity of confrontations in cities such as Lordegan, Kuhdasht, Isfahan, and Azna.

Footage circulating on social media—some verified by international outlets—shows large crowds chanting anti-government slogans, helicopters overhead, and security forces firing on demonstrators in several regions. In some areas, protesters reportedly outnumbered security personnel, while attacks on government buildings and banks were reported in Lordegan and other western provinces.

The unrest is rooted in a severe economic downturn. The Iranian rial has lost roughly 60% of its value since the brief war with Israel in June, pushing inflation above 40% and eroding purchasing power nationwide. Recent gasoline price hikes and long-standing grievances over sanctions, water shortages, and power cuts have further inflamed public frustration.

Iran’s leadership has responded with a mix of warnings and limited conciliatory gestures. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned what he called “rioters,” while the government signalled openness to dialogue with trade unions and merchants—though details remain unclear. Security forces have reportedly entered hospitals to identify injured protesters, a move criticised by Amnesty International as a violation of international law.

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has issued calls for coordinated public action, urging Iranians to chant from streets or their homes at designated times later this week.

The protests mark the most significant challenge to Iran’s authorities since the 2022–2023 demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini, though current unrest remains more economically driven than socially focused. With the economy under severe strain and public anger deepening, analysts warn that the government faces limited options to ease tensions in the short term.