At least 36 people, including three teenagers, have been killed following more than a week of widespread protests across Iran, according to human rights groups monitoring the unrest.
The demonstrations began last month as public anger grew over the sharp decline of Iran’s national currency and the rising cost of food and basic goods. What started in the capital, Tehran, has now spread to dozens of cities and towns across the country.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that protests have taken place in nearly 300 locations across 27 provinces, with more than 2,000 people arrested and many others injured. While Iranian authorities have not released official figures, HRANA says most of the deaths were protesters, though two were linked to security forces.
Independent investigations have confirmed that at least three of those killed were under 18. Among them was 15-year-old Mostafa Falahi, who reportedly died after being shot by security forces in the city of Azna. Another teenager, 17-year-old Rasul Kadivarian, and his 20-year-old brother were killed during clashes in Kermanshah. A third 17-year-old died in the city of Qom, according to multiple human rights organisations.
Video footage broadcast by BBC Persian showed security forces using tear gas against demonstrators during confrontations in several locations.
One witness from Malekshahi described how protests escalated when crowds demanded the release of detained demonstrators. The witness said security forces opened fire, injuring many and killing some at the scene, while others were taken to hospital by fellow protesters to prevent arrests.
Observers say the current protests are the largest since the nationwide demonstrations in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody after being detained for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressed the unrest on state television, saying officials should engage with protesters but that violent demonstrators should be dealt with firmly. He also accused foreign nations, including the United States and Israel, of encouraging the protests.
Economic pressure continues to drive public anger. Iran’s currency has lost more than half its value in the past six months, while food prices have risen sharply. Analysts say many families are now struggling to afford basic necessities, further increasing frustration and instability.
