Iran's Protests Escalate with Deadly Clashes Amid Economic Crisis

Fri Jan 09 2026 07:43:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Violent clashes reported across Iran as protests against economic hardships spread to 111 cities, resulting in casualties among both protesters and security forces.

As Iran faces a significant economic crisis, anti-government protests have erupted violently across the country for the 11th consecutive day. With reports of clashes leading to casualties and mass arrests, discontent has ignited a resurgence of political activism, posing a serious challenge to the regime.

There were violent clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in several locations in Iran on Wednesday, as a wave of unrest sparked by the country's economic crisis continued for an 11th day.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards, reported that two policemen were shot and killed by armed individuals in the south-western town of Lordegan.

Videos posted on social media depicted a tense standoff between protesters and security forces, punctuated by the sounds of gunfire.

In various regions, security forces were seen firing weapons and tear gas towards crowds of protesters, many of whom were throwing stones.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), protests have spread to 111 cities and towns across all 31 provinces. The unrest has claimed at least 34 lives, including four security personnel, while 2,200 protesters have been arrested. BBC Persian has confirmed the deaths and identities of 21 individuals, while Iranian authorities acknowledged five deaths among security forces.

The unrest began on December 28, when shopkeepers in Tehran protested against the plummeting value of the Iranian currency, the rial, which has reached a record low amid rampant inflation exceeding 40%, compounded by sanctions linked to Iran's nuclear program and government mismanagement.

University students joined the demonstrations, which rapidly spread, as protesters chanted slogans demanding accountability from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and in some cases, expressing support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last monarch.

On Wednesday, footage verified by BBC Persian revealed crowds in Qazvin chanting Death to the dictator and expressing support for the overthrown Pahlavi dynasty. In Mashhad, protesters clashed with security personnel, forcing them to retreat. Demonstrations included chants like Cannon, tanks, firecrackers! Mullahs must get lost, reflecting the deep animosity towards Iran's clerical leadership.

The Iranian government responded by acknowledging a new monthly allowance of approximately $7 to 71 million citizens, aimed at alleviating the cost of living crisis. However, Vice-President Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah distinguished between peaceful protesters and rioters, suggesting a nuanced approach to those engaging in violence.

As tensions escalated and as night approached, security forces utilized tear gas to disperse crowds in various locations, including Aligudarz.

Despite the crackdown, social unrest persists, fuelled by widespread dissatisfaction with the government's handling of economic challenges and the pandemic's aftermath. Analysts warn that the protests could escalate further if more citizens feel compelled to join, prompting a potentially violent government response.