Iran Protests Reach 111 Cities, Death Toll Rises Amid Economic Collapse
Updated (6 articles)
Protests Expand to Nearly Every City The unrest entered its 11th day on 8 January, spreading to 111 cities and towns across all 31 provinces [1]. HRANA reported at least 34 protesters and 4 security personnel killed, with roughly 2,200 people detained [1]. The demonstrations, ignited by a collapsing rial and ≈40 % inflation, have intensified beyond Tehran into regional centers [1].
Deadly Clashes Mark Key Towns In Lordegan, two police officers—identified as Hadi Azarsalim and Moslem Mahdavinasab—were reported killed, though verification remains limited [1]. Video from Qazvin, Bandar Abbas, Mashhad, Abadan and Aligudarz shows stone‑throwing crowds, tear‑gas dispersals and the toppling of a Qasem Soleimani statue [1]. Similar lethal confrontations occurred in Azna, Kouhdasht and other western locales earlier in the week [2][3][4][5][6].
Government Orders Restraint and Rapid Prosecution President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed security forces to avoid action against peaceful demonstrators while the judiciary chief pledged swift trials for rioters [1][6]. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for dialogue with protesters and for authorities to curb violent elements [1]. A nationwide bank holiday and closure of schools, universities and public offices were declared to dampen unrest [1][6].
Economic Crisis Fuels Unrest and Relief Measures The rial has fallen to a record low—around 1.4 million per US dollar—and inflation hovers near 40 % [1][5]. In response, the state announced a new monthly cash allowance for millions of citizens and signaled willingness to negotiate economic reforms [1][5]. The administration also appointed a new central‑bank governor, aiming to stabilise the currency amid mounting pressure [5].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Violent clashes widen as Iran protests spread to 111 cities on 11th day: Details the protest spread to 111 cities, death toll, arrests, economic backdrop, and government response .
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AP: Iran protests widen; at least seven killed as unrest expands to rural provinces: Reports early fatalities in Azna, Lordegan and Kouhdasht, economic grievances, and a willingness to negotiate .
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3.
BBC: Six killed as Iran protests enter fifth day amid currency crisis: Provides casualty figures for Lordegan, Azna and Kouhdasht, notes injuries to police/Basij, and cites presidential promises to listen .
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4.
The Hindu: At least seven killed as Iran protests widen to rural areas: Highlights deaths in Azna and Kouhdasht, rial depreciation, and a limited public holiday declaration .
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5.
Newsweek: Deadly protests widen in Iran as inflation and rial collapse fuel crisis: Describes nationwide clashes, conflicting casualty reports, economic impact, and the government’s dialogue initiative and holiday .
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6.
BBC: Iran security force member killed as protests enter fourth day: Reports the killing of security member Amir Hessam Khodayari Fard in Kouhdasht, arrests, and the bank holiday in Tehran .
Timeline
Dec 31, 2025 – A member of Iran’s security forces, Amir Hessam Khodayari Fard, is killed in Kouhdasht, Lorestan, as protests spread to Fars and Hamedan provinces; Tehran declares a bank holiday and closes schools and public offices; President Masoud Peze shkian says “the government will listen to the legitimate demands of the protesters,” while Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi‑Azad warns “any attempt to destabilize will be met with a decisive response”[3].
Jan 1, 2026 – Violent clashes erupt across multiple provinces, with deaths reported in Lordegan, Kuhdasht and Isfahan; a Basij paramilitary member is killed in Kuhdasht, which officials label a “rioter” casualty; the government announces a nationwide public holiday and says it will open a “dialogue mechanism” with unions and merchants; President Pezeshkian acknowledges “mismanagement is to blame for the public’s dissatisfaction,” and the United States issues a travel warning for Americans in Iran[4].
Jan 1, 2026 – On the fifth day of unrest, six people are killed in western Iran—two in Lordegan, three in Azna and one in Kouhdasht—and 13 police and Basij members are injured; President Pezeshkian reiterates that “the government will listen to the legitimate demands of the protesters,” while Prosecutor General Movahedi‑Azad repeats the threat of a “decisive response” to any destabilizing actions[2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Protests expand into rural provinces, and at least seven people are killed in four cities; Azna becomes a flashpoint with three deaths and street fires, while a 21‑year‑old Basij volunteer is killed in Kouhdasht and 13 Basij and police members are injured; authorities arrest about 20 people in Kouhdasht and declare a public holiday in much of the country; the reformist‑leaning government signals willingness to negotiate on the economy as the rial slides to roughly 1.4 million per dollar[5].
Jan 2, 2026 – Saeed Pourali, a senior official, declares that the Basij volunteer “was martyred by rioters,” blaming demonstrators for the death and noting that arrests and weapon seizures follow the calm‑restoring operations in Kouhdasht[6].
Jan 8, 2026 – On the 11th day of unrest, protests spread to 111 cities and towns in all 31 provinces, with HRANA reporting at least 34 protesters and four security personnel killed and about 2,200 arrested; the cabinet orders “no security measures against peaceful protesters” while the judiciary chief promises “rapid prosecution” of rioters; the state announces a new monthly allowance for millions of citizens to ease the cost of living; analysts note the movement is the broadest since the 2022 Mahsa Amini uprising, reflecting deep anger over a rial that has fallen to a record low and inflation near 40 %[1].
2022 – Nationwide protests erupt after the death of Mahsa Amini, marking the last major wave of anti‑government unrest and providing a reference point for the scale of the 2026 demonstrations[1].
External resources (6 links)
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DTNT1YHjaP3/ (cited 1 times)
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- https://x.com/tamarafardypor/status/2008938752945909968 (cited 1 times)