Protests have been reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities, with officials confirming clashes in the country’s western region, according to Iranian state and semi-official media. The demonstrations, which began on December 28 over economic issues, have continued into the new year and now include political slogans, based on reports from local news agencies.
On Saturday, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei commented on the events, stating the protests have remained “sporadic” and have not become nationwide. In his first public remarks on the demonstrations, Khamenei confirmed that 14 people, including security forces, have been killed since the events began.
“From time to time and sporadically, we witness protests, such as last night in Tehran, Kazerun and other cities,” Khamenei said, according to statements published on January 3. He differentiated between types of participants, stating, “We talk to protesters. The officials must talk to them. But there is no benefit to talking to rioters. Rioters must be put in their place.”
The semi-official Fars news agency described the protests in Tehran on Saturday evening as “limited,” consisting of “groups of 50 to 200 young people.” The agency reported demonstrations in several districts of the capital, including Novobat, Tehran Pars, Ekteban, Sadeghieh, Sattarkhan, Naziabad, and Abdolabad.
According to Fars, some demonstrators shouted slogans such as “death to the dictator.” The agency reported that no major incidents occurred in the capital beyond some participants throwing stones and setting fire to trash bins.
The situation in Tehran was contrasted with events in other regions. In Malekshahi, a county in western Iran, Iranian media reported on Saturday that a member of the security forces was killed during clashes. Fars news agency reported that “rioters attempted to storm a police station” and that “two assailants were killed” in the incident.
Accounts of the protests in local media are not comprehensive. State-run news outlets have provided limited coverage of the demonstrations, and information, including videos shared on social media, often cannot be independently verified.
