Iran protests enter 4th day as clashes spread beyond Tehran

Iranians staged protests against worsening economic and living standards for a fourth day, with clashes between security forces and civilians erupting in cities across the Islamic Republic.

Demonstrators took to the streets of Tehran and outside the capital on Wednesday, extending unrest that began after the national currency plunged to historic lows on Sunday. That's triggered a rise in food prices with inflation hitting more than 40% in December, exacerbated by strict sanctions.

Fasa, a city of about 150,000 people in south-central Iran, emerged as a focal point. Protesters stormed the governor's office, setting fires and throwing rocks, according to footage published by the state-affiliated Nour News.


Additional videos on social media showed security forces firing shots and referenced casualties. The semi-official Tasnim news agency denied anyone had died and reported that three police officers were injured in the clashes.

The unrest continued even after Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian moved to appease protesters on Tuesday, pledging to revise planned tax increases and calling demands for change "legitimate." to deliver a firm and regret-inducing response to any act of aggression."