Two Killed as Protests Over Rising Living Costs Turn Violent in Iran’s Lordegan

At least two people were killed and 30 others injured after clashes erupted between police and protesters in the city of Lordegan in Iran’s Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, local media reported. The incident took place on Wednesday.

According to reports, around 300 traders gathered early in the morning after shutting down their shops to protest rising living costs. Tensions escalated when demonstrators reached a bridge in the city, where some protesters became involved in violent confrontations with police.

During the clashes, some participants were reportedly armed with firearms and opened fire on security forces, resulting in two fatalities. Several administrative buildings, including the office of the Lordegan governor, were also damaged amid the violence.

Iran has been witnessing widespread protests for the past 12 days against soaring living expenses. The demonstrations have spread to at least 25 of the country’s 31 provinces, according to reports. Several people, including members of the security forces, have been killed or injured in related incidents.

Observers say the current unrest marks one of the largest waves of protests in Iran in recent years. Nationwide demonstrations previously erupted in 2022–23 following the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody.

The ongoing economic crisis, coupled with heightened tensions following Iran’s conflict with Israel in June, has intensified public discontent, posing a significant challenge to the administration of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.