An Iranian police officer has died after being stabbed during ongoing unrest west of Tehran, as nationwide protests over the rising cost of living entered their 12th day, local media report.
According to Fars News Agency, Shahin Dehghan, a police officer in Malard County, was killed while attempting to control the demonstrations. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
Protests continued on Wednesday across multiple cities, including Tehran, Bandar Abbas, and Bojnurd. Demonstrators chanted slogans against the country’s leadership, highlighting frustrations over sharp price increases and a collapsing currency. Rights groups report that protests have now spread to 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on security forces to exercise restraint, emphasizing the need to distinguish peaceful protesters from armed rioters. Nevertheless, Iran Human Rights reports that at least 27 protesters have died, while Iranian state media cite 15 fatalities, including members of the security forces.
The demonstrations reflect deep public anger over economic hardship, with citizens demanding action to address rising living costs and economic instability.
