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Iran Economic Protests Enter Sixth Day: At Least 10 Killed, Widespread Arrests Amid International Tensions<\/strong><\/p>\n World News, January 3, 2026 (BNN Web Staff)<\/strong><\/p>\n Nationwide demonstrations in Iran, sparked by the dramatic collapse of the rial currency, have reached their sixth day as of January 3, 2026, spreading to 46 cities across 22 provinces and involving over 113 locations. Human rights monitors, including HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency) and Hengaw, report at least 10 protesters killed, dozens injured by live ammunition or pellets, and hundreds arrested as clashes intensify in cities like Tehran, Mashhad, Zahidan, Qazvin, Hamedan, and others.<\/p>\n Scale and Violence<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Protests began on December 28, 2025, with bazaar merchants in Tehran striking over the rial’s plunge to a record low of approximately 1.4\u20131.45 million rials per U.S. dollar\u2014nearly double its value a year ago\u2014fueling inflation exceeding 42%.<\/p>\n Demonstrations have evolved from economic grievances to anti-regime chants, though they remain less widespread and intense than the 2022\u20132023 “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death in custody.<\/p>\n Security forces have deployed heavily, using tear gas, live fire, and arrests. Reports include attacks on police stations and public property, which authorities describe as isolated criminal acts.<\/p>\n Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged protesters’ “legitimate” demands, pledging dialogue and economic reforms, but admitted limited options amid sanctions and prior conflicts (including the June 2025 war with Israel).<\/p>\n U.S. Involvement and Exile Support<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n U.S. President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric, posting on Truth Social: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters… the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”<\/p>\n