In Iran, at least 36 people have lost their lives and thousands have been detained over the past two weeks during widespread protests that have swept across much of the nation.
Chanting slogans such as "Death to the dictator" and "Death to Khamenei," demonstrators have expressed their defiance against the regime, according to various news agencies covering the events.
These protests emerged as a reaction to Iran's economic crisis, the plummeting currency, and the deteriorating living conditions.
The unrest has reportedly affected 92 cities in 27 of Iran's 31 provinces, involving a broad spectrum of participants including merchants, students, and workers.
Among the deceased, the tally includes two members of the security forces, with the remainder being protesters.
Human rights organizations have documented nearly a thousand injuries and over 2,000 arrests in just 11 days.
In Tehran, the Grand Bazaar remained "virtually closed" for the second consecutive day, as shops shuttered in protest against the devaluation of the rial and soaring inflation.
Similar scenes unfolded across other regions, including Shiraz, Fasa, Bandar Abbas, Tabriz, Qazvin, Gonabad, and Neyshabur, as well as traditional markets like Shoush.
Despite a heavy security presence, tensions persisted in the capital, with protests continuing unabated.
Repressive measures have also extended to university settings, with police entering the Islamic Azad University of Kermanshah to disperse protesting students.
Verified videos from non-governmental organizations depict the use of tear gas to disperse merchants and students and arrests during peaceful marches.
In response, President Masud Pezeshkian announced a monthly aid of 10 million rials (approximately "seven dollars" at the unofficial exchange rate) for basic foodstuffs, a measure deemed "insufficient" by a local economist to curb economic pessimism.
The Parliament also approved a 43% salary increase for the upcoming Iranian new year, but this adjustment failed to ease tensions as annual inflation in December exceeded 52%.
In Lordegan, located in the southwest, a merchants' protest escalated into an armed clash, resulting in two deaths and thirty injuries.
State media reported that some of the victims were armed and attacked the police, without clarifying whether the deceased were officers or protesters.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning: "We will intervene in Iran if they start killing people…".
Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the protesters.
Key Questions on Iran's Current Crisis
What sparked the recent protests in Iran?
The recent protests in Iran were triggered by economic hardship, including a currency collapse and worsening living conditions.
How widespread are the protests in Iran?
The protests have affected 92 cities across 27 of Iran's 31 provinces, engaging a diverse group of people including merchants, students, and workers.
What has been the government response to the protests?
The Iranian government has announced modest financial aid and a significant salary increase for the upcoming year, but these measures have not alleviated public discontent.