Protests have expanded beyond economic grievances to include wider criticism of Iran's clerical leadership, according to human rights monitors. Organisations such as the Kurdish rights group Hengaw reported that the death toll includes at least four minors, and that more than 1,000 people have been arrested. Another rights network, HRANA, put the total at 29 deaths and 1,203 arrests.
Iranian officials have acknowledged the deaths of at least two members of security forces, but have not confirmed figures for protesters and dispute rights group tallies. Authorities have characterised many demonstrators as 'rioters' and blamed foreign influence, while also promising dialogue to address economic concerns.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has pledged economic reforms, including a new subsidy system and changes in central bank leadership, aimed at stabilising the currency and protecting citizens' purchasing power. Despite these measures, the currency continued to fall, worsening public frustration.
Protests have taken place in 27 of Iran's 31 provinces, and many demonstrators have broadened their demands to include political reforms, with chants against the country's clerical rulers. Meanwhile, authorities have vowed to take a firm approach against those they label as instigators and extremists.
Rania Umutoni
