Tehran (TDI): Violence linked to ongoing protests across Iran has claimed at least two more lives, bringing the confirmed death toll to no fewer than 10, authorities said on Saturday, as demonstrations driven by economic hardship showed no sign of easing.
The latest fatalities came a day after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against the violent suppression of protesters, saying Washington would “come to their rescue” if peaceful demonstrators were killed. Iranian officials swiftly condemned the remarks, with senior figures in the Islamic Republic threatening retaliation against US forces stationed in the Middle East.
The protests, now entering their second week, represent Iran’s most significant wave of unrest since 2022, when nationwide demonstrations erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after being detained over alleged violations of hijab rules. While the current protests have not yet reached the same scale or intensity, they have spread steadily and remain persistent.
Authorities reported that the most recent deaths involved a sharp escalation in violence. In Qom, a major religious center south of Tehran, a grenade explosion killed one man overnight. Security officials claimed the individual had been carrying the explosive with the intention of attacking civilians. Videos circulating online appeared to show fires burning in the streets of the city.
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Another fatal incident was reported in Harsin, a town in western Iran’s Kermanshah province. A member of the Basij, a volunteer force affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, was killed during an attack involving firearms and knives.
Demonstrations have now spread to more than 100 locations across 22 of Iran’s 31 provinces, highlighting the breadth of public anger.
Iran’s civilian government, led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, has attempted to signal openness to dialogue with protesters. However, Pezeshkian has acknowledged that his ability to address the crisis is limited, particularly as the country’s economic situation continues to deteriorate.
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The sharp decline of Iran’s currency has been a key trigger for the unrest. The rial has plunged to around 1.4 million to the US dollar, fueling public frustration over rising prices, unemployment and declining living standards.
Despite government outreach efforts, the unrest continues, underscoring the depth of economic pressure facing ordinary Iranians and the growing challenge confronting the country’s leadership.
