Deaths reported during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy
NPR••general
Key Points:
- Protests fueled by Iran's worsening economy have spread to rural provinces, resulting in at least six deaths among security forces and protesters, marking the first fatalities in this wave of demonstrations.
- The most intense clashes occurred in cities with significant Lur ethnic populations, such as Azna and Lordegan, where gunfire and street unrest were reported, though state media coverage has been limited.
- A 21-year-old Basij paramilitary volunteer was killed during protests in Kouhdasht, with authorities blaming demonstrators and arresting 20 people, while emphasizing economic grievances as the root cause of unrest.
- Iran's currency has sharply depreciated, exacerbating economic hardships and prompting calls from government officials to address citizens' concerns without allowing
