One week after the outbreak of a new wave of popular protests across Iran against soaring prices, rampant inflation, and worsening living conditions, reports from human rights organizations and international sources indicate that at least 17 citizens have been killed and more than 100 people arrested during violent crackdowns by security forces.
The protests, which rapidly spread to numerous cities across the country, have in many areas—particularly in western and southwestern Iran—been met with brutal intervention by security forces and regime-affiliated armed units, leading to deadly confrontations.
According to received reports, those killed were from the cities of Malekshahi, Hamedan, Harsin, Nourabad, Kuhdasht, Azna, Lordegan, Fooladshahr, and Marvdasht. These cities, located in the provinces of Kermanshah, Lorestan, Hamedan, Fars, Ilam, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Isfahan, have witnessed some of the most severe repression in recent days.
Statistical analysis and identity-based breakdown of the victims reveal that the majority of those killed belong to Kurdish and Lor communities. Out of the 17 confirmed deaths, nine were Lors and seven were Kurds.
Among the Kurdish victims, at least one individual was reported to be a follower of the Yarsan faith, once again raising serious concerns over the dual repression faced by national and religious minorities. Reports also confirm the killing of one Persian citizen in the city of Hamedan.
The geographical scope of the protests has been extensive, with demonstrations recorded in at least 174 different locations across Iran.
Local sources report severe crackdowns, direct gunfire, beatings, and mass arrests in parts of Lorestan, Ilam, Isfahan, and Fars provinces.
At the same time, arrests have sharply increased. Estimates suggest that between 100 and 119 protesters have been detained by security agencies and transferred to undisclosed locations, heightening fears of torture and enforced disappearance.
The geographic distribution of the victims and the intensity of the violence employed once again underline a stark reality: the Iranian regime shows no restraint when confronting popular protests—particularly in Kurdistan and other non-central regions—and does not hesitate to use lethal force against civilians. Demands for bread, dignity, and justice are met with bullets.
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