Iran Rocked by Deadly Protests Over Economic Crisis; At Least 7 Killed

• Violent protests have erupted across several Iranian provinces, fueled by severe economic distress, including currency freefall and hyperinflation.
• At least seven people, including protesters, police, and Basij members, have been killed in clashes over the past two days.
• Protests intensified in western and southwestern provinces like Lorestan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, with attacks on police stations and government buildings reported.
• The current unrest is the biggest since 2022's Mahsa Amini protests, though this wave is primarily economic, with President Pezeshkian acknowledging "legitimate demands."
• Security forces have responded with arrests and crackdowns, while the US State Department expressed concern over the violence.

Why It Matters: Iran faces deadly economic protests amid currency collapse and high inflation, leading to widespread unrest.