7 killed in Iran in protests over rising costs

New Delhi, Jan 2: At least seven people have been killed as protests over soaring living costs spread across multiple parts of Iran, according to Iranian media reports, amid mounting pressure on an economy battered by inflation and sanctions, according to international media.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show fires burning in streets, crowds chanting slogans, and the sound of gunfire during clashes.

Fars news agency, a semi-government news agency, reported that some protesters threw stones at government buildings, including a provincial governor’s office, banks and municipal facilities, prompting police to respond with tear gas.

The protests come at a sensitive moment for Iran, with inflation hovering around 40 percent and the national currency under severe pressure. The unrest also follows recent regional tensions after Israeli and US air strikes in June targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. Iranian authorities have indicated a more cautious response than during past waves of unrest, while acknowledging public anger over economic hardship.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged state institutions to address livelihoods and ease economic pressures, while government officials have said they plan to engage with trade unions and merchants. At the same time, the judiciary and security agencies have warned against violence, vandalism and attempts to exploit economic protests for broader instability.

Tasnim news agency reported the arrest of seven people accused of links to opposition groups based abroad, al Jazeera news agency reported.

Separately, the state news agency IRNA reported that police in Alborz province arrested 14 members of what authorities described as an organised network involved in producing explosives and Molotov cocktails. The provincial police commander said the suspects were detained at a workshop and that further details would be released following ongoing investigations.

The latest demonstrations began peacefully in Tehran before spreading nationwide, with students from at least 10 universities joining protests earlier this week. Iran last experienced mass unrest in 2022 and 2023 following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.