In the latest development, protests driven by Iran’s worsening economic conditions have expanded across the country into a second week, with reports of violent clashes and an intensified security crackdown in multiple cities and provinces. Rights groups cited by several outlets report dozens of deaths and large-scale detentions, while Iranian authorities have not published comprehensive nationwide tallies. The unrest has also drawn sharper external pressure and rhetoric, including renewed warnings from President Trump about potential U.S. action if peaceful protesters are killed and reports that Israel has approved a new plan for possible strikes on Tehran.

Highlights:

• Bazaar shutdowns: Some of Iran’s bazaars and commercial centers have shuttered as part of the protest momentum, a sign of economic actors joining street demonstrations.
• Kurdish strike: Kurdish opposition parties based in neighboring Iraq have called for a general strike in support of the protest movement, according to France 24 and witness accounts cited by The Guardian.
• Currency plunge: Iran’s rial has fallen to roughly 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar, accelerating inflation and making basic goods harder to afford for many households.
• Detention scale: The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported more than 2,000 arrests across more than 200 locations spanning 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces.
• Different dynamic: The Christian Science Monitor argues the demonstrations reflect a “new moral order” centered on dignity that has gradually eroded the authorities’ perceived legitimacy, distinguishing this wave from prior unrest.

We are locked and loaded and ready to go. - President Donald Trump

Perspectives:

• Iranian judiciary: Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said there would be “no leniency” for people he accused of aiding Iran’s enemies, portraying the unrest as foreign-backed. (Time)
• Iranian government/state media: Iran has said it is investigating violence during weekend protests, while state media claimed some protesters were armed. (The New York Times)
• Protesters and witnesses: Witnesses and rights groups described security forces using tear gas, pellet guns and what demonstrators said were live rounds in Kurdish cities, amid chants against corruption and shop closures. (The Guardian)
• United States (White House): President Trump warned the U.S. would intervene if Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” framing it as a potential trigger for U.S. action. (Time)
• Rights groups/monitors: Rights groups tracking the unrest have published casualty and arrest estimates that exceed what officials have publicly detailed. (The Straits Times)

Sources:

• Violent clashes reported as Iran protests spread to more areas - bbc.com
• How Iran sanctions and a currency crash triggered mass protests - straitstimes.com
• ‘They are killing us’: authorities use force against protesters in Kurdish regions of Iran - theguardian.com
• What to Know About Iran’s Protests—and Trump’s Threat of U.S. Intervention - time.com
• Iran’s commercial hubs became flashpoints for frustration - aljazeera.com
• Why Iran’s protests are different this time - csmonitor.com
• Iran's regime faces combined pressure from street protests, Israel and US - lemonde.fr
• Protests Spread in Iran, and Crackdowns Escalate - nytimes.com
• Iran police officer killed in stabbing during unrest near Tehran: local media - dawn.com
• Video: Iranian Cop Chased In Car, Shot Dead Amid Anti-Khamenei Protests - ndtv.com
• Iranians protest for 12th day as Kurdish opposition calls for general strike - france24.com