Iran Protests Spread: President Trump Warns Iran Against Killing Protesters as Unrest Enters 5th Day

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that the United States would respond if Iranian security forces killed peaceful protesters, as anti-government demonstrations entered a fifth consecutive day and reports emerged of multiple fatalities.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “If Iran shoots and kills peaceful protesters, as is their custom, the United States will come to their aid. We are alert and ready for action.”

The warning came as Iranian and international media reported that at least five people were killed on Thursday in clashes linked to the protests, marking a sharp escalation in the unrest. If confirmed, it would be the deadliest day since demonstrations began, after one death was reported on Wednesday and none earlier.

Fatalities Reported in Western Iran

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency said three people were killed in clashes in the town of Azna, in Lorestan province in western Iran, about 300 kilometers (185 miles) southwest of Tehran. According to Fars, demonstrators attacked a local police station around 6 p.m. local time, triggering confrontations that left 17 people injured. The agency did not say whether those killed were protesters or members of the security forces.

The reports followed earlier unrest in the western city of Kouhdasht, also in Lorestan, where the semi-official Tasnim news agency said 13 security personnel were injured and one Basij militiaman was killed. Tasnim said an investigation was underway.

The BBC reported clashes in Lorestan and neighboring Hamadan province, citing verified video showing protesters standing their ground as water cannons were deployed.

Videos Show Defiant Chants, Gunfire

Opposition broadcaster Iran International, which operates from London, published videos it said were filmed across Iran. Footage from the central city of Isfahan showed demonstrators chanting “Don’t be afraid, we are all together,” and “Death to the dictator,” a slogan widely understood to refer to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In videos from Farsan, in central Iran, protesters chanted “Reza Shah, rest in peace,” invoking the former monarch overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Gunshots were audible in the background. Other footage from the town showed chants of “Death to Khamenei” as police confronted demonstrators, followed by the sound of gunfire.

In Kermanshah, a major city in western Iran, protesters were heard chanting, “This is the year of blood — Seyyed Ali will be overthrown,” shortly before the start of 2026, according to Iran International. In Dorud, also in western Iran, demonstrators gathered outside a provincial governor’s office chanting, “Not Gaza, not Lebanon — my life is for Iran,” reflecting anger over Iran’s regional spending amid domestic economic hardship.

Unrest Spreads South; Arrests Reported

In the southern city of Fasa, in Fars province, Iranian authorities said protesters attempted to storm a provincial government building. State media described the incident as the work of an “organized group” and said a 28-year-old woman identified as the leader was arrested.

Iran International initially reported, citing online sources, that an 18-year-old boy was killed during the unrest in Fasa, but Iranian authorities denied the claim and no independent confirmation has emerged. The BBC said it verified footage showing security forces opening fire and tear gas spreading through shattered shopfronts.

Tasnim reported that four people described as “attackers” were arrested in Fasa and that three members of the security forces were injured. Citing an intelligence source, the agency claimed seven detainees were linked to “hostile groups based in the United States and Europe,” alleging they sought to incite violence.

Authorities Move to Contain Protests

In an apparent attempt to calm tensions, the regime-aligned Fars agency reported that merchants in Isfahan’s main market issued a statement saying the bazaar would not allow “hostile movements” to exploit economic grievances.

No new demonstrations were reported overnight in Tehran, where authorities ordered the closure of schools, banks and public institutions in parts of the capital and in several provinces. Officials cited a cold wave and electricity shortages, while denying any link to the protests. Major universities in Tehran announced that classes would be held remotely for the coming week.

Economic Crisis Drives Unrest

The protests began on Sunday as a spontaneous demonstration by merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and spread as students from at least 10 universities joined rallies in the capital and other cities.

The unrest has been fueled by rampant inflation and the sharp devaluation of the rial, which has made it increasingly difficult for many Iranians — already strained by more than two decades of Western sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program — to afford basic food and essential goods.