Nationwide protests rock Iran as economic crisis fuels anger against clerical rule

Mass anti-government demonstrations intensified across more than 90 Iranian cities on Thursday, triggered by a historic collapse of the national currency and soaring inflation.

Protesters in several provinces, including Tehran, Ilam, and Fars, have targeted symbols of the Islamic Republic, setting fire to police posts and toppling monuments of the late IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani.

Human rights organizations report that at least 36 people have been killed in clashes with security forces since the unrest began in late December.

In some western cities, such as Abdanan, residents have reportedly seized control of local districts, while opposition groups have called for a nationwide general strike to begin today.