Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged protesters’ economic demands as “completely fair” during a Shiite holiday speech, amid demonstrations spreading to over 25 cities sparked by soaring prices and stagnation. Protests, initially shopkeeper strikes in Tehran last Sunday, evolved into political chants against the regime. Khamenei urged officials to resolve issues via dialogue with legitimate protesters while vowing to “put rioters in their place,” signaling a conciliatory yet firm stance.

At least eight deaths reported, including security forces, with clashes escalating since Thursday. Mehr News detailed Basij member Ali Azizi’s stabbing and shooting in Harsin by “armed rioters”; Tasnim reported a grenade mishap killing a man in Qom. Demonstrations concentrate in western and southwestern mid-sized cities like Darehshahr, where 300 blocked streets, hurled Molotovs, and brandished Kalashnikovs per Fars News.

Tehran saw Friday gatherings in working-class areas, but Saturday’s holiday brought quiet under rain and snow. Political fervor peaked in Karaj with flag-burning and “Death to the dictator” cries invoking Pahlavi restoration—opposed by some. Sanctions-battered economy fuels unrest, though smaller than 2022 Mahsa Amini protests (hundreds dead) or 2019 fuel riots.

Also Read: ‘Beacon of Hope’: Reza Pahlavi Welcomes Trump’s Support for Iranian Protesters

Authorities maintain a dual approach: conciliatory on economics, zero-tolerance for chaos, vandalism, and destabilization. State media downplays coverage, while unverified social videos proliferate. Khamenei noted presidential efforts to address woes, distinguishing shopkeeper fairness from riotous elements.

These protests echo Iran’s turbulent history of dissent, testing the regime’s balancing act between reform and control. With university students amplifying the cause, outcomes hinge on economic relief versus security crackdowns.

Also Read: US President Threatens Intervention if Iranian Protesters Are Killed