Iran Protests Over Inflation Leave At Least 16 Dead
January 4, 2026
9:49 am
At least 16 people have been killed across Iran during a week of nationwide protests, according to rights groups, as demonstrations over soaring inflation escalated into violent confrontations between protesters and security forces.
Deaths and hundreds of arrests have been reported by both Iranian state media and independent rights organizations, though figures vary and could not be independently verified. The unrest marks the largest wave of protests in Iran in three years, emerging amid deep economic strain and rising international pressure on Tehran.
The demonstrations began among bazaar merchants and shopkeepers before expanding to university students and residents in provincial …
