At least six people killed in Iran protests

At least six people have died during demonstrations in Iran over the poor state of the Iranian economy, which have spread to rural parts of the country today.

The current protests are the largest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked demonstrations across the country.

Five people died today and one person yesterday in three towns predominantly inhabited by the Lor ethnic group.

The worst violence hit Azna, a city in Iran's Lorestan province, about 300 kilometers southwest of Tehran.

The semi-official Fars news agency reported that three people were killed.

The agency said two more people were killed during today's protests, citing an official who wished to remain anonymous.

Last night, a Revolutionary Guard volunteer from the Basij detachment was killed during the protests, the first recorded death among members of the security forces since the demonstrations began.

Protests in Iran in recent days indicate growing citizen dissatisfaction with the economic crisis, while authorities say they will continue to maintain public order and stability in the country.

"The protests that have taken place are a result of economic pressures, inflation and currency fluctuations and are an expression of the existential concerns of citizens. The voice of citizens must be heard carefully and thoughtfully, but people must not allow their demands to be abused by individuals who see personal gain in it," Lorestan Deputy Governor Said Purali told the Student News Network, which is considered close to the Basij detachment.

Demonstrations were also held in the city of Kuhdasht, more than 400 kilometers southwest of Tehran.

Local prosecutor Kazem Nazari said that 20 people were arrested after the protest and that the situation in the city has since calmed down.

The Iranian government, led by reformist President Massoud Pezeshkian, is trying to send a message that it is ready for dialogue with the protesters.

However, Pezeshkian acknowledged that the government's options are limited, given the sharp drop in the value of the Iranian currency - one US dollar now requires about 1,4 million rials.