What began as anger over money is now turning deadly. Iran’s simmering unrest entered a darker phase on Thursday.
Officials confirmed that a member of the country’s security forces was killed during a fourth straight day of protests.
The protests were sparked by a dramatic currency collapse.
According to Iran’s judiciary-linked Mizan news agency, Amir Hessam Khodayari Fard died during clashes in Kouhdasht, a city in western Lorestan province.
Several other security personnel were injured.
So what’s driving people into the streets? Simply put: the rial is in free fall.
Shopkeepers, students and ordinary families say prices are spiralling out of control.
Protests that began in Tehran on Sunday have since spread to provinces including Fars, Hamedan and Lorestan.
Verified videos seen by BBC Persian show security forces firing at demonstrators and deploying tear gas.
Crowds broke gates at government offices and chanted against Iran’s clerical leadership.
Protests Escalate
In Fars province alone, officials said three police officers were injured and several protesters arrested.
The government even declared a sudden nationwide holiday.
It was officially due to cold weather, though many Iranians saw it as a move to keep people off the streets.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised to hear “legitimate demands”.
Prosecutors, however, struck a tougher tone, warning of a “decisive response” to unrest.
With memories of the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests still fresh, one question hangs in the air.
Is Iran bracing for another turning point—or trying desperately to avoid one?
