Deadly Protests Grip Iran as Anti-Regime Demonstrations Spread Nationwide
TEHRAN, Iran — Anti-regime protests in Iran have entered their fifth consecutive day, with demonstrations spreading across Tehran and several provincial cities, resulting in multiple deaths and escalating tensions nationwide. The unrest, which began on December 28, 2025, initially sparked by shopkeepers and merchants protesting soaring inflation and economic hardships, has rapidly expanded to include students and broader public opposition.
According to reports from Iranian state-linked media and international rights groups, clashes between demonstrators and security forces intensified overnight, with at least seven protesters reportedly killed by security personnel, marking the deadliest day since the protests began. The Iranian government has officially acknowledged at least one fatality, though opposition sources suggest the toll is significantly higher.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an opposition group, reported ongoing street clashes in Tehran and cities such as Marvdasht, Kermanshah, Delfan, and Arak. In the city of Lordegan, located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, two protesters were allegedly killed by direct fire from security forces, according to NCRI statements. These claims have not been independently verified due to restricted access to the affected areas.
Fars News Agency, affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, described violent confrontations in Lordegan where protesters threw stones at government buildings including the governor’s office, judiciary, and several banks. Security forces responded with tear gas and forceful dispersal tactics, leading to significant property damage. The agency confirmed two deaths but did not clarify whether the victims were protesters or security personnel.
Meanwhile, the Kurdish rights organization Hengaw reported that security forces killed protesters in Lordegan, contradicting official accounts. In Kuhdasht, authorities stated that a member of the Basij paramilitary was killed and 13 others wounded during clashes, blaming demonstrators for the violence. Hengaw disputed this narrative, asserting that the deceased was a protester shot by security forces. Reuters noted it was unable to independently confirm either version.
In Fooladshahr, Isfahan province, a 37-year-old man was reportedly shot dead amid overnight protests, with Iran International verifying his identity and reviewing video evidence. Provincial police confirmed the fatality, underscoring the growing human cost of the unrest.
The protests originated from widespread discontent over Iran’s economic crisis, including rampant inflation, unemployment, and the sharp depreciation of the national currency. What began as localized demonstrations in bazaars has evolved into a broader movement challenging the regime’s authority. The government has responded by shutting down businesses and offices across 21 provinces in an attempt to quell the unrest.
International observers and human rights organizations have condemned the use of lethal force against protesters. The U.S. Department of State has previously highlighted Iran’s record of suppressing dissent, and the current wave of protests marks one of the most significant challenges to the regime in recent years.
As the situation develops, the Iranian government faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally to address the root causes of the unrest and to refrain from further violent crackdowns. The ongoing demonstrations underscore the fragility of Iran’s political and economic stability amid a population demanding change.
For continued updates on the situation in Iran and global responses, the United Nations and the Human Rights Watch provide ongoing coverage and analysis.
The protests serve as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between economic hardship and political dissent in authoritarian regimes, with the potential to reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape in the months ahead.
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