Iranian state media confirmed on Thursday the death of a security force member during nationwide protests that have entered their sixth consecutive day. The casualty was identified as a 21-year-old Basij paramilitary force member from Kouhdasht city, reportedly killed while “defending public order” during Wednesday night’s demonstrations in Lorestan Province.
The unrest, initially sparked by economic grievances, has escalated significantly since Sunday’s spontaneous protests began in Tehran’s major mobile phone market. Shopkeepers initiated the movement by shuttering their businesses in response to Iran’s prolonged economic stagnation, with the demonstrations subsequently spreading to student populations across multiple regions.
In a concerning development, authorities reported an attack on a government building in southern Iran on Wednesday. The incident prompted Iran’s top prosecutor to issue a stern warning of a “decisive response” to any attempts at creating instability within the country.
The Basij force, a volunteer militia operating under Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, has frequently been deployed for domestic security operations during periods of civil unrest. The current protests represent the most significant challenge to Iranian authorities since previous waves of anti-government demonstrations.
International observers are monitoring the situation closely as economic pressures continue to mount in Iran, with inflation and unemployment rates remaining persistently high despite government assurances of economic reforms. The participation of students in recent days suggests the protests may be evolving beyond purely economic demands.