Multiple deaths have been reported across several Iranian cities as protests over high inflation and economic woes turned violent, with casualty figures varying significantly between state media and rights organizations.

The Revolutionary Guards confirmed that one member of the Basij paramilitary unit was killed in Kuhdasht, with 13 others wounded during the unrest. The deceased Basij member was identified as Amirhossam Khodayari Fard.

Deaths were reported in multiple locations, including Lordegan, Kuhdasht, and Isfahan, marking a significant escalation in demonstrations that have spread across Iran’s provinces. The cities of Azna, Marvdasht, Fuladshahr, and Malekshahi also witnessed violence as clashes between protesters and security forces intensified.

Casualty figures remain contested. State media reported three people killed, while the PMOI/MEK released names of eight martyrs, including victims from December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. Rights group Hengaw reported that 17 people were killed in the first week of protests.

Hengaw confirmed the identities of those killed in the recent protests in Malekshahi, Hamedan, Harsin, Nurabad (Delfan), Kuhdasht, Azna, Lordegan, Fuladshahr, and Marvdasht, across the provinces of Kermanshah (Kermashan), Lorestan, Hamedan, Fars, Ilam, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Isfahan.

Among the 17 confirmed fatalities, at least nine were Lor, and seven were Kurdish, including one individual from the Yarsan religious minority. A Persian resident was also killed in Hamedan.

The Revolutionary Guards accused demonstrators of taking advantage of the atmosphere of popular protests. Security forces fired on protesters in several cities, according to reports from Hengaw, an organization that monitors human rights violations in Iran.

The protests erupted over economic conditions that have deteriorated significantly, with inflation reaching 42.2 percent. Iran’s economy has been strained by international sanctions, regional conflicts, and domestic mismanagement, creating widespread hardship for ordinary citizens. The Iranian rial has lost substantial value, eroding purchasing power and pushing basic goods beyond the reach of many families.

The current wave of demonstrations represents the most significant challenge to Iranian authorities in several years. Economic protests have historically served as flashpoints for broader dissent in Iran, where political expression is tightly controlled, and civil liberties remain restricted.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said authorities would hold dialogue with trade unions. “The government is ready to engage in dialogue with trade unions and address their concerns,” Mohajerani stated, as the government appeared to balance security measures with efforts to address demonstrator grievances through negotiation.

The protests have exposed deep frustrations within Iranian society over economic management and living standards. Shopkeepers, merchants, and ordinary citizens have taken to the streets in cities across multiple provinces, signaling widespread dissatisfaction that crosses regional and demographic boundaries.

Iran’s economic challenges stem from multiple sources. International sanctions have restricted the country’s ability to engage in global trade, particularly in the energy sector, which has historically been central to government revenues. Domestic economic policies, corruption, and inefficient state-controlled enterprises have compounded these external pressures.

The Basij paramilitary unit, an affiliate of the Revolutionary Guards, has historically played a key role in suppressing domestic unrest. Composed of volunteers loyal to Iran’s Supreme Leader, the Basij serves as a mechanism for maintaining internal security alongside regular police forces. The organization’s involvement in crowd control operations during protests has been a consistent feature of Iran’s approach to managing dissent.

The protests began on December 28, 2025, and intensified on Wednesday, December 31, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, with confrontations in multiple cities. Reports emerged from both state-controlled media outlets and independent rights organizations. The disparity in casualty figures between official sources and rights groups reflects the ongoing information challenges in Iran, where independent journalism faces severe restrictions and government narratives often dominate domestic media coverage.

International human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized Iran for its handling of protests, citing excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, and lack of accountability for security personnel involved in violent confrontations with civilians. One human rights observer noted, “The use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators, including minors, represents a serious violation of international human rights standards.”

Economic protests in Iran carry particular significance because they can serve as catalysts for broader political movements. While demonstrators may initially gather to voice concerns about prices, wages, or currency devaluation, such gatherings can evolve into platforms for expressing wider dissatisfaction with governance, corruption, and political repression. Authorities remain acutely aware of this potential and typically respond with heightened vigilance.

The government’s offer of dialogue with trade unions and merchants represents a tactical shift aimed at containing the unrest before it escalates further. However, the effectiveness of such dialogue depends on whether authorities can offer meaningful economic relief or policy changes that address the underlying causes of public anger. Previous promises of reform have often failed to materialize into tangible improvements for ordinary Iranians.

The Revolutionary Guards’ statement about demonstrators taking advantage of popular protests suggests official concern about the potential for organized opposition groups to leverage economic grievances for political purposes. Iranian authorities have long portrayed domestic unrest as the result of foreign interference or orchestrated campaigns by exile opposition groups, rather than genuine expressions of public dissatisfaction.

As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely. Economic protests in Iran have previously drawn attention from human rights organizations, foreign governments, and international media outlets concerned about both the welfare of Iranian citizens and the broader implications for regional stability. The current demonstrations occur against a backdrop of ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, its regional activities, and its relationships with global powers.