Unrest in Iran has entered its fifth day, with deadly clashes reported across western cities as protests over the collapsing economy and soaring cost of living intensify.

At least six deaths were reported on Thursday in Lordegan, Azna, and Kouhdasht (Lorestan province), according to semi-official Fars news agency and rights group Hengaw.

The identities of the victims—whether protesters or security forces—remain unconfirmed. State media reported a Basij militia member killed on Wednesday in Kouhdasht, while protesters claimed he was one of their own shot by security forces.

Videos verified by BBC Persian showed car fires, stone-throwing, and violent clashes in Lordegan, Tehran, and Marvdasht (Fars province). Demonstrators chanted against Iran’s clerical rulers, with some calling for a return to monarchy.

Spread of Protests

The demonstrations—most widespread since the 2022 Mahsa Amini uprising—began on Sunday among Tehran shopkeepers after the rial hit a record low against the dollar, worsening inflation and import costs. By Tuesday, university students joined, and protests spread nationwide.

Authorities declared Wednesday a bank holiday and closed schools and universities, officially citing energy-saving amid cold weather, though many saw it as a containment measure.

President Masoud Pezeshkian pledged to hear “legitimate demands,” while Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned of a “decisive response” to instability. Security presence in Tehran has since tightened, though no major escalation was reported Thursday.

Economic Context

Iran’s economy continues to reel from:

• U.S. sanctions following the 2018 JCPOA withdrawal.
• Mismanagement and corruption.
• Rial losing ~99% of its value since 2015.
• Inflation hovering around 40% (2025 estimates).
• Youth unemployment at ~25%.
• Cuts to subsidies fueling discontent.

The 2022 protests, initially over mandatory hijab laws, evolved into broader anti-regime calls and were brutally suppressed. While current unrest is smaller in scale, it underscores persistent grievances and economic despair.