By Trendsetter Tribune 
Iranian security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators in Tehran on Tuesday as nationwide unrest over soaring living costs intensified — marking the most serious protest movement in the Islamic republic in three years.
The latest wave began on December 28, when merchants at the capital’s central bazaar launched a shutdown over the collapsing value of the rial. The currency has since hit new record lows, fueling anger and frustration across the country.
According to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 27 protesters — including five minors — have been killed in the crackdown so far. Authorities say several members of the security forces have also been killed, including a police officer shot dead on Tuesday.
Protests have spread from Tehran to western regions home to Kurdish and Lor minority communities. Activists say gatherings have continued for 10 consecutive days, despite heavy security deployments and arrests.
Footage verified by journalists shows demonstrators shouting slogans such as “Pahlavi will return” and “Seyyed Ali will be overthrown,” referring to Iran’s deposed monarchy and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Other videos show crowds chanting “freedom” as tear gas canisters send plumes of smoke into the air.
State media acknowledged “sporadic gatherings” and confirmed that “some” people were arrested, without providing numbers.
This marks the most significant unrest since the 2022–2023 protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, whose case ignited global outrage and months of demonstrations.
As marches continued in cities like Abdanan in western Iran, protesters were heard chanting, “This is the last message — the entire regime is the target,” underscoring the depth of public anger over economic hardship and political repression.