According to Fars news, in Lordegan, located about 470 km south of Tehran, two more people died during the protests. During the demonstrations, protesters began throwing stones at administrative buildings, including the governor's office, a mosque, and banks, which led to the police using tear gas.
Videos that appeared online show items burning in the streets, gunshots being heard, and people shouting, "Shameless! Shameless!"
Additionally, in the western city of Kuhdasht, a 21-year-old security forces member was killed while protecting public order during the unrest. This information was also confirmed by Iranian state television.
These events are unfolding against the backdrop of an economic crisis caused by Western sanctions, soaring inflation reaching 40%, and recent airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi noted that this week the government has been more restrained in its response to the protests than before. "It claims to be doing everything possible to address economic issues," Asadi added.
Mass protests in Iran flared up in 2022 and 2023 following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in a police station after being arrested for violating strict dress code norms for women.
Recent protests began peacefully in Tehran but soon spread to students from at least a dozen universities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attempted to ease the situation by acknowledging the "legitimate demands" of the protesters and calling for actions to improve the economic situation. "If we do not address the issue of livelihoods, we will find ourselves in hell," he stated at an event broadcast on television.
Government spokesperson Fatime Mohajerani reported that the authorities are ready for open dialogue with representatives of trade unions and merchants, although details have not yet been disclosed.
Nevertheless, the authorities announced their intention to take a "firm" stance, warning against using protests to destabilize the situation. The Iranian Attorney General emphasized that any attempts to turn economic protests into political confrontations will be met with a decisive response.
At the same time, the Tasnim agency reported the detention of seven individuals characterized as linked to "hostile groups" from abroad, particularly from the U.S. and Europe.
Due to worsening weather conditions, the authorities declared Wednesday a banking holiday to save energy.
