Widening demonstrations sparked by Iran's ailing economy spread Thursday into the Islamic Republic's rural provinces, with at least seven people being killed in the first fatalities reported among security forces and protesters, authorities said.

The clashes between protesters and security services mark a significant escalation in the unrest. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Jan. 1 (UPI) -- At least one person is dead and possibly more after protests broke out across Iran against high inflation and a currency collapse.

Protests in Iran escalate over economic issues, resulting in at least six deaths and a potential crackdown by authorities.