Iran Protests Enter Day 12, Officer Killed

An Iranian police officer was killed in a stabbing during unrest near the capital, Tehran, as nationwide protests over the rising cost of living entered their 12th day, Iranian media reported on Wednesday.

The officer, identified as Shahin Dehghan, was a member of the police force in Malard County, west of Tehran.

According to Fars News Agency, Dehghan “was martyred a few hours ago after being stabbed during efforts to control unrest,” adding that investigations were in progress to identify those responsible.

The latest unrest began on December 28 2025, after merchants in Tehran protested soaring prices and the sudden fall of the national currency, the rial. The demonstrations quickly spread to other cities, evolving into broader protests against economic hardship.

According to an AFP tally based on official statements and local media reports, demonstrations have now reached 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces. Dozens of people have been killed so far, including members of the security forces.

The protests mark the most serious challenge to the Islamic Republic since the 2022–2023 nationwide demonstrations triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.

While the current demonstrations have not yet reached the scale of the 2022–2023 movement or the mass protests that followed Iran’s disputed 2009 presidential election, analysts say they pose a fresh test for the country’s leadership amid a deepening economic crisis and months after a 12-day war with Israel last June.

Meanwhile, several Iraq-based Iranian Kurdish opposition groups have called for a general strike in support of the protests. One such group, the Komala Party, announced on Wednesday that seven Kurdish opposition parties had agreed to the action.

“The aim of this call is to demonstrate the unified support of the Kurdish people for the struggle and protests being waged by the Iranian people against the Islamic Republic,” said Hassan Rahmanpanah, a member of Komala’s central committee.

Rahmanpanah also accused Iranian authorities of carrying out “brutal and criminal attacks” against demonstrators.