A fifth day of widespread protests in Iran over soaring living costs has turned increasingly violent, with reports of at least six people killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces on Thursday.
The semi-official Fars news agency and the human rights group Hengaw reported two deaths in the southwestern city of Lordegan.
Fars also stated that three more were killed in Azna and another in Kouhdasht, both in western Iran.
Social media videos from Thursday showed running battles, with cars set ablaze in the streets—a sign of the protests’ escalating intensity.
Beyond economic grievances, the unrest has taken on a distinctly political tone.
Many protesters have chanted for an end to the rule of the country’s Supreme Leader, while some have even called for a return to the monarchy.
By James Kisoo
