Violence linked to Iran’s ongoing economic protests has pushed the death toll to at least 10, according to authorities, as demonstrations show no sign of slowing. The unrest, driven by the country’s collapsing currency and rising cost of living, has spread rapidly across multiple provinces, marking one of the most serious protest waves since 2022.

Tensions intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran that Washington would “come to the rescue” if Iranian authorities violently suppressed peaceful protesters. Iranian officials responded angrily, issuing threats against U.S. forces in the Middle East and accusing Washington of interference, further raising fears of regional escalation.

The latest fatalities point to a dangerous turn in the protests. In the holy city of Qom, a grenade explosion killed one man, with security officials claiming he intended to attack civilians. Separately, in Harsin, a member of the Basij paramilitary force was killed during a violent confrontation involving firearms and knives.

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Protests have now reached more than 100 locations across 22 of Iran’s 31 provinces, according to human rights monitors. Demonstrators initially rallied against economic hardship but have increasingly voiced anger at Iran’s ruling system, chanting slogans that directly challenge the country’s theocratic leadership.

President Masoud Pezeshkian’s reformist government has signaled openness to dialogue but admits its options are limited. The Iranian rial has plunged to around 1.4 million per U.S. dollar, fueling public frustration and eroding trust in economic management.

Complicating matters further are Iran’s strained relations with the West following last year’s conflict with Israel and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Although Tehran has hinted at halting uranium enrichment to revive negotiations, warnings from Washington and Tel Aviv suggest that diplomacy remains fragile as unrest continues at home.

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