Violent Clashes Erupt Amid Expanding Protests Across Iran

Fri Jan 09 2026 07:57:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Iran witnesses unprecedented protests against government amid economic turmoil, leading to violent confrontations between protesters and security forces, resulting in casualties on both sides.

On Wednesday, violent clashes erupted in Iran as anti-government protests spread to 111 cities, fueled by deep economic discontent. Reports indicate casualties among both protesters and security personnel. The protests, which began on December 28, were triggered by a steep fall in the value of the Iranian currency and skyrocketing inflation, with demonstrators voicing discontent against the government and its leaders.

There were violent clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in several locations in Iran on Wednesday, as a wave of unrest sparked by the country's economic crisis continued for an 11th day.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards, reported that two policemen were shot and killed by armed individuals in the south-western town of Lordegan. Videos posted on social media showed tense standoffs between protesters and security forces, with gunfire audible in the background.

In various areas, security forces were seen firing guns and tear gas into crowds of protesters, some of whom retaliated by throwing stones.

The protests have spread to 111 cities and towns across all 31 provinces, according to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), which has reported at least 34 protesters and four security personnel killed, alongside about 2,200 arrests.

Protests erupted on December 28 when shopkeepers in Tehran expressed their frustration over the devaluation of the Iranian currency, the rial, which has plummeted to record lows amid soaring inflation (40%) and economic sanctions blamed for exacerbating the situation.

University students joined the protests, chanting slogans against the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and showing support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's former shaw. Fresh protests occurred in Qazvin, Mashhad, and Abadan, where security forces responded with force.

In response to the unrest, Vice-President Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah announced measures to distinguish between peaceful protesters and violent rioters, indicating a complex and potentially escalating dynamic between the state and its citizens. Meanwhile, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned of swift action against rioters.

The current wave of protests represents the most significant unrest seen since the 2022 demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, which led to a violent crackdown that resulted in over 550 deaths and 20,000 arrests.