Protests driven by economic hardship entered a fifth consecutive day across Iran on Thursday, with authorities and rights groups reporting multiple deaths as demonstrations spread from the capital to provincial cities.
At least three people died in clashes in Azna, a city in Lorestan province southwest of Tehran, Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency reported. Additional fatalities occurred in Lordegan in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, according to the same source.
The demonstrations began peacefully over the weekend as shopkeepers protested soaring inflation and unemployment. Students from at least 10 universities joined the protests by Tuesday, expanding the movement beyond merchant communities.
Reports circulating on Thursday claimed Russia and Belarus deployed riot control personnel to Iran by aircraft to assist with protest suppression. These reports remain unverified by independent news organizations or official government sources.
Russia and Iran have documented cooperation on domestic security tactics, including exchanging methods for crushing protests and maintaining surveillance programs, according to testimony before the US Congress.
Read: Iran central bank chief resigns as protests flare over rial plunge
The rial has plummeted to approximately 1.4 million to the dollar, while the country faces a 40% inflation rate. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the protesters’ economic grievances but said limited options exist to address the currency depreciation.
Videos circulating online showed burning objects in the streets and gunfire in Azna, with demonstrators shouting “Shameless! Shameless!” In Lordegan, protesters threw stones at government buildings, including the governor’s office, judiciary facilities, and banks. Security forces responded with tear gas.
The prosecutor general warned Wednesday that authorities would meet any attempts to turn economic protests into “a tool of insecurity” with “a legal, proportionate and decisive response.”
Iran’s government has adopted a notably different approach compared to previous demonstrations. State media outlets are reporting on the unrest, officials have struck conciliatory tones, and internet access remains largely available — contrasting sharply with the 2022-2023 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody. But flights at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport have reportedly been suspended as of Thursday.
Authorities declared Wednesday a public holiday, citing cold weather, though it’s possible the move aimed to reduce public gatherings.
The protests occur as Western sanctions continue to pressure Iran’s economy, following Israeli and US air strikes in June that targeted the country’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership.
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