Iran protests: 6 dead and 30 arrested in bloody clashes
The Iranian scene witnessed a dangerous escalation in the pace of popular protests denouncing the high cost of living, with the country recording its first casualties on Thursday since the movement began five days ago. Local media reports indicated that six people were killed and dozens arrested in violent clashes between protesters and security forces, signaling a worsening of the internal crisis.
Details of the bloody clashes in Erdogan
Iran's official Fars News Agency reported that tragic events in Lordegan, a city in southwestern Iran about 650 kilometers from the capital Tehran, resulted in the deaths of two people. According to the official account, tensions escalated when protesters began throwing stones at government buildings, including the governor's office, the municipality building, the Martyrs Foundation, several banks, and a mosque.
Reports indicated that police forces intervened using tear gas to disperse crowds that attempted to storm the governorate building, resulting in injuries and significant material damage to public property. A number of people, described by the authorities as leaders of the movement, were arrested.
Deaths in the west of the country and the killing of a member of the Basij
In a related development, the violence has spread to western Iran, with the agency reporting three more deaths and 17 injuries. Initial reports indicate that the three fatalities were civilians.
For his part, Saeed Pourali, the deputy governor of Lorestan province, told Iranian television that a 21-year-old member of the Basij militia was killed in the city of Kuhdasht. The official explained that the member was killed by what he called "rioters" while defending public order, adding that 13 police officers and other Basij members were injured by stones thrown in the city, which has a population of approximately 90,000.
Widespread arrests in Tehran
On the security front in and around the capital, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported the arrest of 30 people in the Malard area west of Tehran. These arrests took place Wednesday night following a coordinated surveillance operation between security and intelligence agencies. The detainees face charges related to "disturbing public order" and attempting to destabilize the country.
The economic context and historical background of the protests
These protests represent the latest in a series of demonstrations that have swept Iran in recent years, often fueled by deteriorating economic conditions. The Iranian economy is under immense pressure due to ongoing international sanctions and economic mismanagement, leading to rampant inflation and a collapse in the value of the local currency (the rial), which has directly impacted the purchasing power of its citizens.
Historically, Iran witnessed similar protests in 2017 and 2019, which began with economic demands before escalating to include political slogans. Observers note that the recurrence of these protests in smaller cities and outlying areas (such as Lordegan and Kuhdasht) reflects the depth of the economic crisis affecting the poor and middle classes outside the capital.
Expected effects of the current situation
This escalation carries significant implications both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the loss of life suggests a potential slide into further violence, which could necessitate a more stringent security response from the authorities—a scenario that has been repeated in previous protests. Regionally and internationally, the instability in Iran casts a shadow over the region's complex issues and further complicates the diplomatic landscape, particularly concerning nuclear negotiations and relations with the West, as international human rights organizations monitor the authorities' handling of the protesters with grave concern.
