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 human rights group, Hengaw, confirmed fatalities during clashes between protesters and security forces in Lordegan, a city in southwestern Iran.
Videos on social media have shown burning cars amidst running battles between the protesters and security personnel.
Demonstrators are increasingly vocal against the country’s leadership, with some calling for the abolition of the supreme leader's rule entirely, while others advocate for a return to the monarchy.
These protests began as a response to a significant currency devaluation and have spread from Tehran to several other cities.
Verified footage by BBC Persian showcases ongoing protests in places like Lordegan and Marvdasht as discontent grows.
Fars reported two fatalities in Lordegan and noted that the identities of the deceased have not been verified by independent sources. Rights group Hengaw named the victims as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh, asserting they were protesters.
In addition, reports indicated a member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards was also killed in clashes in Kudasht, with conflicting claims from protesters about the circumstances of that incident.
On Wednesday, authorities declared schools and universities closed nationwide, initially presenting it as an energy-saving measure amid cold weather, although many see it as a tactic to suppress the protests.
The unrest, reminiscent of past protests ignited by economic grievances, has led to calls for significant changes in Iran’s governance structure. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the legitimate demands of protesters, while the prosecutor general issued a warning against attempts to destabilize the country.
The situation remains tense as security is tightened in areas where the protests began.
