Iran Unrest Grows as Protests Over Rising Living Costs Enter Second Week

Iran Protests Escalate: Deadly Clashes Reported as Cost of Living Unrest Enters Second Week

Tehran, Iran | chatzyr.net

New clashes have erupted across Iran as nationwide protests over the rising cost of living and inflation entered their second week, according to rights groups and local media reports on Sunday.

At least 12 people have been killed, including members of Iran’s security forces, since demonstrations began on December 28 with a strike by shopkeepers in Tehran. The protests have since spread to multiple cities, marking the most serious unrest in Iran since the 2022–2023 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), overnight protests were reported in Tehran, Shiraz, and several western regions of Iran. Demonstrators chanted slogans criticizing Iran’s clerical leadership as security forces attempted to disperse crowds.

The protests have been especially strong in western Iran, where many members of the Kurdish and Lor minorities live. Rights groups say these communities have been disproportionately affected by the violence. While the unrest has not yet reached the scale of previous mass protests, analysts say it represents a serious new challenge for Iran’s leadership.

The Hengaw human rights group, based in Norway, reported that security forces opened fire on protesters in Malekshahi county in Ilam province, killing four people. Another Norway-based group, Iran Human Rights, confirmed the same death toll and said at least 30 others were injured.

Iranian state media acknowledged the clashes but described protesters as “rioters.” The Mehr and Fars news agencies reported that one member of the Revolutionary Guards was killed during confrontations and said two attackers died while attempting to storm a police station.

In Tehran, smaller protests were reported Saturday night in several districts. Videos verified by AFP showed security forces clearing streets and dispersing demonstrators. On Sunday, most shops in the capital reopened, though police and riot units remained heavily deployed.

The protests have now affected at least 40 cities across 23 of Iran’s 31 provinces, according to an AFP tally. Rights groups say more than 580 people have been arrested since the unrest began.

UN Special Rapporteur Mai Sato warned of a “growing confrontation” between protesters and security forces and urged Iranian authorities to avoid a violent crackdown similar to that seen in past protests.

International reactions have also intensified. The United States and Israel issued statements expressing support for protesters, while Iranian officials warned against foreign interference. Tehran has publicly acknowledged economic grievances but insists that instability and disorder will not be tolerated.

As Iran faces mounting economic pressure, analysts say the protests reflect deep public frustration over inflation, unemployment, and living costs, raising concerns about further unrest in the weeks ahead.