Several Protesters Reported Dead In Iran As Anger Builds Over Dismal Economy

"Several people have died during a fifth day of protests across Iran, state-affiliated media and rights groups said, as anger builds over the country's economic woes despite pledges from the Islamic republic's clerical leaders to take "new decisions" to improve the situation. Social media videos and reports said markets in Tehran were again closed on January 1, with merchants marching in the streets as they battle an inflation spiral sparked by a free-fall of the currency."

"The Fars news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), reported protests in the city of Lordegan in the southwest, saying clashes with security forces had occurred. It cited "an informed source" as saying that "two people had lost their lives." The human rights group Hengaw also reported deaths in Lordegan, saying security forces had opened fired on protesters, killing and wounding several. The group also said a protester was killed in Isfahan province in central Iran on December 31."

"Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has called on citizens to show solidarity instead of joining protests. He has also promised that the government would make "new decisions" that would improve the economic situation. This has done little to temper the anger of Iranians, who have been besieged by inflation of more than 50 percent and a slumping rial currency that is trading on unofficial markets at around 1.4 million to the dollar, compared to around 800,000 one year ago."

Protests entered a fifth day across Iran as markets closed and merchants marched amid a currency free-fall and soaring inflation. State-affiliated Fars and rights group Hengaw reported fatalities in Lordegan and Isfahan, while the IRGC said a Basij volunteer was killed in Kuhdasht; authorities have not confirmed all reports and independent verification was lacking. Security forces were reported to have opened fire on demonstrators. President Masud Pezeshkian urged solidarity and promised "new decisions" to improve the economy. The rial is plunging on unofficial markets near 1.4 million to the dollar, fueling public anger.

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