Iran Braces For More Protests As Death Toll, Arrests Rise

"Iranian authorities braced for more unrest in multiple regions on January 2, with the death toll and arrests mounting after protesters angered by the country's economic woes hit the streets for the fifth day in a row. State-controlled media and international rights groups on January 1 reported at least seven deaths and dozens of injuries in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, although government-linked news agencies blamed what it called "rioters." Iranian authorities have yet to confirm the reports and RFE/RL's Radio Farda could not independently verify them."

"Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian -- considered a relative moderate by many observers -- sought to ease tensions, saying he recognized Iranians' "legitimate demands" while urging the government to take action to ease economic hardships. "From an Islamic perspective... if we do not resolve the issue of people's livelihoods, we will end up in hell," Pezeshkian said on state television. Hard-line security forces, however, vowed to take a "firm" stance against protesters and those who "exploit" the situation to cause chaos."

Protests erupted across multiple regions for a fifth consecutive day as Iranians angered by economic woes demonstrated, with reports of at least seven deaths, dozens of injuries, and mounting arrests. State-controlled media and international rights groups reported fatalities and clashes, while authorities have not confirmed those figures and independent verification has been limited. President Masud Pezeshkian acknowledged citizens' legitimate demands and urged action to ease livelihoods, warning of moral consequences. Hard-line security forces pledged a firm response against protesters and alleged agitators. Analysts attribute the unrest to economic grievances compounded by repression, policy failures, currency depreciation, shortages, rising fuel costs, inflation, and environmental damage.

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