Fasa, Iran — Protests erupted in the southern city of Fasa as demonstrators targeted a government building amid rising economic tensions. Officials report that unrest has remained contained, despite growing public discontent over various economic issues.
According to the Mizan news agency affiliated with the justice ministry, individuals vandalized parts of the provincial governor’s office on Wednesday. Hamed Ostovar, the judiciary chief in Fasa, confirmed that damage was inflicted on the office door and glass. He added that swift police action led to the arrest of four suspects and the injury of three officers. Ostovar dismissed circulating claims of a protester’s death as unfounded rumors.
These incidents follow several days of demonstrations initiated by outrage over escalating prices and a plummeting currency. The protests kicked off on Sunday in Tehran’s largest mobile phone market, where shopkeepers closed their businesses in an act of defiance. The discontent quickly spread to universities and other cities, including Isfahan, Yazd, and Zanjan. However, the gatherings have been relatively small and primarily situated in central Tehran.
Iran’s Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad characterized the economic grievances as valid while warning that any attempts to instigate chaos or damage property would provoke a “decisive” legal reaction. His remarks came in response to communications from Israel’s Mossad that reportedly encouraged Iranians to protest, further fueling officials’ claims of foreign interference.
Years of economic strain, exacerbated by U.S. and international sanctions tied to Iran’s nuclear endeavors, have placed considerable pressure on the Iranian economy. The national currency, the rial, has depreciated by over one-third in the last year, resulting in increased import costs and significant pressure on retailers. Inflation rates officially surpassed 50 percent as of December, intensifying public frustration.
In response to the unrest, security forces increased their presence around major intersections and universities in Tehran, deploying water cannon vehicles in the streets. Authorities announced a sudden bank and school holiday, justifying it by citing cold weather and energy conservation efforts. Concurrently, President Masoud Pezeshkian urged officials to engage in constructive dialogue with protesters regarding their legitimate concerns, warning against exploiting the situation for ulterior motives.
Despite the government’s assertions of control, the underlying issues prompting the protests remain a pressing concern for the Iranian populace. With multiple cities experiencing unrest, many are left questioning how state officials will address rising economic grievances in the face of continued public discontent.