Massive Violence in Iran: 'Gen Z' Hits Streets Against Inflation, Chants "Death to Khamenei" Amid 3 Deaths
Tehran/New Delhi: The new year (2026) has brought severe unrest to Iran. Protests sparked by soaring inflation and economic crisis have turned violent across the country. From Tehran to rural areas, thousands of youth—dubbed "General Zedd" or Gen Z—have taken to the streets. These demonstrations against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have so far claimed at least three lives, with several security personnel injured.
Economic Crisis Ignites Public Fury
Iran's inflation rate hit 42.5% by December 2025. A plummeting currency, skyrocketing prices, and Western sanctions have made daily life unbearable for ordinary citizens. This economic hardship has forced people to rise against the government.
Key Protest Demands
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Anti-Regime Chants: Demonstrators shout "Death to Khamenei" and "Down with the dictator."
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Support for Shah: Students at Tehran University raised slogans like "Long live the Shah" in favor of pre-1979 ruler Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
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Exile Leadership Backing: Reza Pahlavi, living in the US, voiced support on social media, stating, "Victory will be ours because our cause is just."
Violence and Casualties
News agencies (Reuters and AP) report the worst violence from Lohardgan, Kuhdasht, and Isfahan:
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Lohardgan: Two people died in clashes between security forces and armed protesters.
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Kuhdasht: Official sources say one member of the Basij paramilitary force was killed, with 13 others injured.
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Human Rights Concerns: The group Hengaw accuses security forces of direct gunfire, wounding several civilians.
Analysis: A Major Challenge to Leadership
These protests pose the biggest threat to Iran's religious leadership in the past three years. While the government has offered talks, security forces remain deployed aggressively on the streets, raising fears of escalating tensions.