At least 25 people have been killed in Iran during nine days of protests sparked by economic hardship, according to rights groups, as demonstrations that began in Tehran’s main bazaar continued to spread to other parts of the country.

The protests erupted over the plunging value of the rial and soaring inflation, with shopkeepers initially leading strikes in the capital. While smaller in scale than the nationwide unrest seen in 2022–23, the demonstrations have expanded beyond economic demands, with some protesters chanting against Iran’s clerical leadership.

As reported in Reuters, rights group Hengaw said at least 25 people, including four minors, had been killed and more than 1,000 arrested. Another activist network, HRANA, put the death toll at 29, including two security personnel, and reported over 1,200 arrests. Reuters has not been able to independently verify the figures. Iranian authorities have not released an official death toll for protesters but confirmed casualties among security forces.

The government has acknowledged economic grievances and pledged dialogue, while also vowing to crack down on what it calls “rioters” linked to foreign powers. Police chief Ahmadreza Radan said authorities would “deal with the last of these rioters,” as witnesses reported a heavy security presence and the use of tear gas in parts of Tehran.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised reforms to stabilise the economy, including subsidy changes and banking adjustments. Despite these measures, the rial continued to slide, falling about 4% since the protests began.