Fourth Day of Protests in Various Cities of Iran; Suppressive Forces Fire on Protesters

The fourth day of a new wave of protests in Iran passed as unrest continued in various cities, with citizen journalists documenting the suppression of citizens by government forces and gunfire directed at protesters in cities like Fasa and Kuhdasht. These gatherings, which were initially sparked by a sudden jump in the price of the dollar and gold coins in the Tehran market, have continued with overthrow-oriented political slogans and direct confrontations in the streets. In Fasa, the situation was reported to be tense from the early hours of January 10. According to images and videos received, a group of protesters headed towards the special governorate building of the city and stormed its entrance. Suppressive forces in this city used tear gas and pellet guns. Although unofficial reports on social media indicated the death of an 18-year-old youth during these clashes, judicial officials of the Islamic Republic denied this, while confirming the arrest of four protesters. The atmosphere in Fasa remains security-oriented, and many shopkeepers have closed their stores. Simultaneously, in Lorestan province, Kuhdasht was the scene of widespread protest gatherings. Some reports indicate that government forces have resorted to firing warning shots and, in some cases, directly shooting at protesters. The atmosphere in this city has been tense after four consecutive days of protests, with clashes in some neighborhoods turning into street battles. Additionally, videos from Ahmadabad Square and Yakhchal Street in Isfahan have emerged, showing the continuation of strikes by shopkeepers and merchants. In Mashhad, students from Ferdowsi University issued a strong statement calling for a gathering in Elm Square, declaring that the university is not a place of fear and that they will not remain silent against corruption and injustice. In this city, security measures have significantly increased, and reports indicate that plainclothes forces have been deployed in small groups around Janbazan Square and Park Square. In Kermanshah, people also emphasized the continuation of protests by taking to the streets and chanting anti-government slogans. This situation continues while the Tehran market and commercial centers in major cities remain affected by currency fluctuations. The price of the dollar, which had reached nearly 144,000 tomans in recent days, showed slight fluctuations in trading on Wednesday. The third day of protests in various cities of Iran saw students chanting: 'Death to Khamenei.' The U.S. State Department and American officials and politicians reacted to the anti-government protests in Iran. Protests and strikes in the capital were in response to the dollar reaching 144,000 tomans. The uprising of Iranian universities saw students shouting against the government on the third day of protests and strikes. Strikes and protests in the markets continued on the third day, creating a security atmosphere. Trump stated: 'The people of Iran are dissatisfied with the government; if they protest, they will be killed.' The expansion of strikes and protests to various cities in Iran continues, with anti-government slogans and the firing of tear gas.