Iran's Fars news agency reported on 1/1 that two people died during clashes between security forces and protesters in Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Clashes in neighboring Azna, Lorestan province, also killed three people.

Fars described the protests, stating some participants threw stones at government buildings, including the governor's office, mosques, city halls, and banks. Police responded with tear gas.

Iranian protesters on the streets of Tehran on 29/12. Photo: AFP

Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported a 21-year-old security force member died during protests in Kouhdasht, Lorestan province. Lorestan Deputy Governor Said Pourali added that 13 security force members were also injured by stones thrown by protesters.

Many protests across Iran escalated into riots. In Hamedan, protesters burned a motorbike in an unsuccessful attempt to set fire to a nearby mosque.

A wave of protests erupted in Iran on 28/12 last year, involving small business owners, in response to economic hardship and a volatile local currency. The Iranian rial has depreciated against the US dollar and other foreign currencies, causing import prices to soar.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to calm tensions, acknowledging the protesters' "legitimate demands" and urging the government to act to improve the economic situation. However, authorities also declared a "firm" stance, warning against exploiting the situation to cause chaos.

Ngoc Anh (Based on AFP, Reuters)