At least 6 reportedly killed as Iran protests widen
AP News••general
Key Points:
- Protests driven by Iran's worsening economy have spread to rural provinces, resulting in at least six deaths among security forces and demonstrators, marking the first fatalities reported in the current unrest.
- The most intense violence occurred in Lorestan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces, with gunfire and street clashes reported, though state media have been limited in their coverage of the unrest.
- A 21-year-old Basij paramilitary volunteer was killed during protests in Kouhdasht, with authorities blaming rioters and arresting 20 people; officials cited economic pressures and inflation as the root causes of the demonstrations.
- Iran's currency has sharply depreciated, exacerbating economic grievances, while the government under President Masoud
