Fresh protests and strike actions have broken out across Iran, with rights groups accusing security forces of shooting at demonstrators in several parts of the country.
The protests, which have lasted for 12 days, are putting pressure on Iran’s clerical leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The unrest comes at a time when the country is facing a serious economic crisis caused by years of international sanctions and is still recovering from a recent conflict with Israel in June.
The demonstrations began on December 28 after traders shut down Tehran’s main bazaar in protest over the collapse of the Iranian currency, the rial, which fell to record lows. Since then, the protests have spread nationwide and grown into larger demonstrations.
Iranian authorities have described the protesters as “rioters” and warned that they will face tough punishment. The country’s judiciary chief has said there will be “no leniency” in dealing with those involved.
On Wednesday, Iranian media reported that a police officer was stabbed to death west of Tehran while trying to control the unrest.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, said turnout at Wednesday’s protests was the largest seen so far. He called for even bigger demonstrations later in the day.
Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq also called for a general strike on Thursday in Kurdish areas of western Iran, where protests have been especially strong.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, protests have now taken place in 348 locations across all 31 provinces in Iran. Another rights group, Hengaw, said the strike was widely observed in about 30 towns and cities, with many shops closed in provinces such as Ilam, Kermanshah and Lorestan.
Hengaw also accused security forces of opening fire on protesters in Kermanshah and the nearby town of Kamyaran, injuring several people. The group said internet services were cut in parts of the region.
Social media videos showed large crowds protesting again on Thursday in cities like Abadan. Protesters were heard chanting slogans against Iran’s clerical leaders, including calls for the return of the monarchy and the removal of Supreme Leader Khamenei.
The Iran Human Rights group said at least 27 protesters have been killed so far, including five teenagers under the age of 18. The group warned that the death toll could rise as more cases are confirmed.
These protests are the largest Iran has seen in three years. The last major wave of demonstrations occurred in 2022 and 2023 after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in custody after being arrested for allegedly breaking Iran’s strict dress code laws.
Rights groups have also accused Iranian authorities of using harsh tactics, including raiding hospitals to arrest injured protesters.
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