At least 16 killed in Iran protests

At least 16 people have been killed in Iran during a week-long wave of protests over soaring inflation and the rising cost of living, according to Reuters. Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces.

Kurdish human rights group Hengaw said at least 17 people have died since the protests began, while the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 16 deaths and 582 arrests. Reuters said it could not independently verify the figures.

This is the largest protest in Iran in three years. Amid economic strain and growing international pressure, senior leaders have adopted a more restrained tone compared with previous unrest. State media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed the interior ministry to act responsibly and compassionately, saying peace cannot be ensured through force.

US President Donald Trump warned on Friday that the United States could intervene if violence is used against protesters. In response, senior Iranian officials issued counter-threats against US forces in the Middle East. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would not bow to its enemies.

Inflation in Iran has risen by more than 36 percent since March, while the rial has lost nearly half its value against the dollar. The nuclear programme, water and electricity shortages and forecasts of an economic downturn in 2026 have further complicated the situation.

On Saturday, Khamenei said the government is open to dialogue but will not negotiate with rioters. On Sunday, Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the government acknowledges its limitations but warned that some groups are exploiting the protests, urging young people not to fall into enemy traps.