At Least 20 Killed as Weeklong Protests Over Inflation Rock Iran

At least 20 people have been killed in protests that have continued across Iran for a week, according to claims made by various human rights organizations on Sunday (January 4). The protests, which spread nationwide in opposition to runaway inflation and rising living costs, have seen violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The British news agency Reuters reported this.

Kurdish human rights organization Hengaw said that at least 17 people have been killed since the protests began. Human rights network HRANA reported that at least 20 people have been killed and 582 people arrested.

Reuters noted that while state media and human rights organizations have reported deaths and arrests throughout the week, the figures vary. Reuters said it could not independently verify these numbers.

This is the largest protest in Iran in the last three years. Against the backdrop of a battered economy and mounting international pressure, Iran’s top leaders are using somewhat more restrained language compared to previous movements.

According to reports in Iran’s state media, President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed the Ministry of Interior to act with compassion and responsibility toward protesters. He also said that society and protesters cannot be convinced or calmed through the use of force.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning, saying that if violence is used against protesters, the United States may step in to assist. He added that “we are fully prepared,” though he did not specify what actions would be taken.

In response, Iran’s top officials threatened retaliatory attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would not bow to its enemies.

Since March of this year, inflation in Iran has exceeded 36 percent. During the same period, the rial has lost nearly half of its value against the U.S. dollar. International sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program, water and electricity shortages, and forecasts of a recession in 2026 have further complicated the situation.

On Saturday, Khamenei said in state media that the government is ready for dialogue, but he rejected any talks with what he described as rioters.

On Sunday, Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the government acknowledges its limitations, but some groups are trying to exploit the protests. He urged young people not to fall into what he called the enemy’s trap.