Protests over inflation in Iran claim first casualty

In Iran, a young Basij militia member has died - the first confirmed casualty of the ongoing protests that have erupted over a dramatic rise in inflation and currency devaluation.

Demonstrations have spread to several provinces since Sunday and are reportedly accompanied by security presence, arrests and violence.

Cities such as Marvdasht and Kermanshah have been affected.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the interior minister to listen to the "legitimate demands" of the people, and a government spokeswoman has announced a direct dialogue with the traders.

But the protests come at a very tense time: the economy is under pressure from Western sanctions, inflation has exceeded 42 per cent and the rial has lost half its value. Internal tensions have been exacerbated by the Israeli and US attacks on Iranian infrastructure in June.

(reuters, pir)