At Least 16 Killed in Week-Long Iran Protests Over Soaring Inflation, Rights Group Reports

At least 16 people have been killed during a week of unrest in Iran, according to rights groups. Protests erupted over soaring inflation, spreading across the country and leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Deaths and arrests have been reported throughout the week by both state media and rights organizations, though the numbers differ. Reuters has been unable to independently verify these figures. The protests, the largest in three years, come at a vulnerable moment for Iran, with its economy in tatters and international pressure mounting. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to support protesters if they face violence, prompting Iranian officials to warn of retaliation against U.S. forces in the region. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that Iran 'will not yield to the enemy.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed solidarity with Iranian protesters. The protests began among bazaar traders and shopkeepers before spreading to university students and provincial cities, with some demonstrators chanting against Iran’s clerical rulers. The country has been grappling with inflation above 36% since March, and its currency has lost around half its value against the dollar. International sanctions, water and electricity shortages, and predictions of a recession in 2026 have further exacerbated tensions. Authorities have attempted a dual approach, acknowledging the economic crisis while responding to dissent with violence.