Protests in Iran Turn Deadly as Two Lives Lost Amid Unrest

Thu Jan 01 2026 22:29:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Clashes between protesters and security forces in Iran have escalated, resulting in the deaths of two individuals amid widespread demonstrations against soaring living costs.

Protests in Iran, sparked by a collapse in the currency, have led to clashes with security forces resulting in two reported deaths. Demonstrators have expressed their anger over the increasing cost of living, calling for significant political changes. While some reports attribute the deaths to engagements with security personnel, clarity on the identities and circumstances surrounding the fatalities remains elusive.

Two people are reported to have been killed during growing unrest in Iran on the fifth day of protests over the soaring cost of living.

Both the semi-official Fars news agency and the human rights group Hengaw reported that individuals died during clashes between protesters and security forces in the city of Lordegan, located in south-western Iran.

Videos circulating on social media depict scenes of chaos, with vehicles set ablaze amid ongoing confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.

Calls for the end of the authority of Iran's supreme leader have intensified, alongside a push for a restoration of the monarchy.

The impetus for the protests is primarily attributed to a significant currency devaluation, which has led to rising living costs across the nation.

Verified footage by BBC Persian has confirmed demonstrations occurring in cities including Lordegan, Tehran, and Marvdasht.

According to reports, the fatalities in Lordegan involved protesters identified as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh, though the exact circumstances are still unverified.

Additionally, state media reported a death of a security force member in a related incident, with conflicting accounts suggesting the fatality could also have been among the protestors.

The unrest has led to injuries among multiple law enforcement officials, worsening the already tense atmosphere.

In response to the escalating violence, schools and universities across Iran were closed amid a declared bank holiday, a move some speculate was intended to suppress further protests.

Protests initially began among shopkeepers frustrated by rapid declines in currency value but have now broadened to include university student involvement and chants against the government's clerical rule.

These protests are noted to be the most extensive since the nationwide outcry following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 but have not reached equivalent proportions in scale.

Tight security measures have since been implemented in areas where protests originated, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian promising to address the “legitimate demands” of protestors, countered by warnings from officials of a firm response to any attempts at destabilization.