At least 25 people were killed in Iran during the first nine days of protests that began in Tehran\u2019s bazaar, triggered by the plunging currency value and high inflation. The unrest has spread to several western and southern cities, though it remains smaller than the 2022-23 wave over Mahsa Amini\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
Rights groups report the toll varies: Hengaw lists 25 dead, including four under 18, and more than 1,000 arrests. HRANA raises the death toll to 29, with two security agents among the dead and 1,203 arrests as of January 5. Reuters has not independently verified these numbers. Authorities say at least two security officers died and more than a dozen were injured.<\/p>\n
Police officials say security forces have treated rioters with force, while distinguishing them from protesters. The regime accuses foreign networks of fomenting protests and vows to \u201cdeal with\u201d rioters. Protests have expanded from economic demands to broader criticisms of governance.<\/p>\n
Authorities acknowledge economic hardships and signal reforms to protect purchasing power. President Masoud Pezeshkian urges dialogue and outlines plans to stabilize monetary and banking systems. A subsidy reform will replace preferential exchange rates with direct transfers to Iranians, effective January 10.<\/p>\n
The central bank chief was replaced on December 29. The rial weakened further, reaching 1,489,500 per unit of currency on Tuesday, a 4% drop since the protests began.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"