Iran rocked by deadly economic protests, 7 dead; largest unrest since 2022

• Economic protests in Iran have turned violent, resulting in at least 7 reported deaths across rural provinces.
• This marks Iran's largest unrest since the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, though current demonstrations are less intense.
• While largely quelled in Tehran, protests have spread to rural areas, with fatalities reported in cities like Azna and Lordegan.
• The US State Department expressed concern over the crackdown, urging authorities to end intimidation and arrests.
• President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged economic challenges, while state TV reported 7 arrests and confiscation of pistols.

Why It Matters: Economic protests in Iran turn deadly, spreading across rural areas, marking largest unrest since 2022.