Iranian economic protests reported to have killed at least 25 people

Rights groups report at least 25 deaths and more than 1,000 arrests during nine days of protests over Iran’s plunging currency and inflation; authorities say security personnel have been killed and announce a subsidy reform due to begin on January 10.

Protests that began in Tehran’s bazaar over a sharp fall in the rial and rising inflation have continued into a ninth day and spread to multiple provinces. Rights groups report dozens of deaths and large numbers of arrests, while Iranian authorities say security personnel have also been killed and that they have detained people they describe as rioters. The government has announced economic measures and changes in senior financial leadership amid the unrest. Reporting agencies note they have not independently verified casualty figures. Key facts: - Rights groups such as Hengaw and HRANA have reported at least 25 deaths and more than 1,000 arrests, with some activist networks giving higher counts. - Iranian officials say members of security forces have died and that law enforcement has made arrests on the scene or after identification by intelligence units. - The protests began over the plunging currency and inflation and have included slogans beyond economic demands in some locations. - Government actions include replacing the central bank chief on Dec. 29 and announcing a subsidy reform set to take effect on January 10. Summary: Rights groups and activist networks report several dozen fatalities and over a thousand arrests during nine days of protests sparked by a steep fall in the rial and rising prices. Officials report security casualties and say they have detained people they describe as rioters, while the government has announced economic reforms including a subsidy change due to start on January 10. Reuters and other outlets have not been able to independently verify the casualty figures; the full course of events is undetermined at this time.