Deadly Clashes Erupt in Iran Amid Spreading Economic Protests

• One person killed in Iran as economic protests, driven by inflation and currency collapse, enter their fifth day and spread to smaller towns.
• Conflicting reports on the deceased: government claims a Basij member, while a Kurdish rights group states a protester was shot.
• Protests turned confrontational in Fasa, with demonstrators targeting a government building; 13 officers were injured.
• President Masoud Pezeshkian adopted a conciliatory stance, blaming the government for public dissatisfaction, contrasting with other officials.
• Iran's economy faces severe strain from Western sanctions, high inflation, currency devaluation, and recent conflict.

Why It Matters: Iran faces escalating, deadly economic protests, with President Pezeshkian acknowledging government blame.