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| Image: Iran Protest |
Protests driven by rising living costs and economic hardship have spread across Iran, reaching 31 provinces in what officials describe as the country’s largest wave of unrest in nearly three years.
Demonstrations began nearly two weeks ago amid sharp increases in food and fuel prices, a weakening national currency and long-standing economic sanctions. Rights groups say at least 45 people have been killed in clashes with security forces, while more than 2,000 have been arrested.
Authorities have imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, a move confirmed by internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks, which said access was deliberately disrupted in response to the protests. Connectivity was first cut in western regions, including Kermanshah, before being extended across the country.
The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights said Wednesday was the deadliest day of the unrest, with at least 13 protesters killed. The organisation added that security forces had increasingly resorted to live ammunition in some areas.
Unrest has been particularly intense in Iran’s Kurdish-majority regions. Seven Kurdish political parties called for a general strike, leading shopkeepers to close businesses across dozens of cities, including Ilam, Kermanshah and Lorestan. Rights groups reported multiple injuries after security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators in several towns.
Large crowds have also gathered in Tehran and in the southern city of Abadan. There are no signs that the protests are easing.
Iranian state media reported that a police officer was killed while attempting to control unrest in western Tehran. In a separate incident, a security vehicle was set on fire, prompting authorities to investigate possible foreign involvement.
In a televised address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for national unity and warned against what he described as “terrorist actions”. He accused foreign enemies, particularly the United States, of exploiting the unrest.
Mr Khamenei also alleged that some protesters were acting in the interests of US President Donald Trump, warning that Iran would not tolerate those he described as “foreign mercenaries”.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged restraint, calling on demonstrators to avoid violence and encouraging officials to listen to public grievances. However, analysts say public frustration remains high amid a deepening cost-of-living crisis.
Official figures indicate food prices have risen by more than 70% over the past year, while the cost of medicines has increased by around 50%. Many Iranians say essential goods are becoming unaffordable.
The unrest comes as Iran’s foreign minister visits Lebanon for talks with senior officials, amid wider regional tensions involving Israel and Iran-backed groups.
Observers warn that unless economic conditions improve, Iran could face prolonged instability in the weeks ahead.