As reported by Iran International, an independent Persian-language news station based abroad, the protests in Iran entered a decisive phase on the fifth day, marked by the killing of civilians. At least three protesters were confirmed dead: Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand in Fooladshahr, Amir-Hessam Khodayarifard in Kuhdasht and Shayan Asadollahi in Azna. Other sources report further casualties in clashes in different areas of the country. The state response shows a clear escalation of repression. The use of live ammunition against protesters marks a significant change of pace.

Qom and the symbolic value of the protest

The protest also reached Qom, the religious centre of Shiism and ideological pillar of the Islamic Republic. Here, protesters chanted pro-monarchist slogans despite a strong presence of security forces. The event has a significant symbolic value. Qom is historically associated with clerical power. Its participation in the mobilisation indicates a growing rift between religious institutions and civil society.

A nationwide movement

The protest quickly spread nationwide. Protests and strikes were reported in Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Lorestan and Khuzestan. Smaller cities are also affected. Participation crosses different social strata. This makes it more difficult to confine dissent to single groups or territories.

Slogans and political rupture

A central element concerns the evolution of slogans. The demands are no longer limited to economic or social issues. The protesters openly attack the supreme leadership and the entire political system. Pro-monarchist slogans such as ‘Javid Shah‘ dominate in many cities. This is the first time in over fifty years that such messages have become prevalent in mass protests.

Symbols of power under attack

Released videos show a further symbolic escalation. Protesters set fire to a Shiite seminary in western Iran. In Khuzestan, in the city of Lali, a statue of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Pasdaran’s Quds Force, was set on fire. The incident occurred on the eve of the anniversary of his killing in a US attack in 2020.

Protest beyond the squares

Signs of protest also emerged in unconventional contexts. In Bandar Abbas, protesters shouted slogans against the entire system. In Sistan and Baluchestan a wall was daubed with pro-monarchy writings. In Isfahan, at the end of a football match, the crowd chanted Reza Shah. These incidents show widespread and spontaneous radicalisation.

Cracks in the establishment

The repression is also generating reactions within the establishment. Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, former chairman of Parliament’s National Security Commission, made a public appeal. He called on the authorities to avoid further bloodshed. His words reflect a growing internal unease. The crisis now appears political and structural, not only related to law and order.