A member of Iran's security forces was killed during recent protests, marking the first officially confirmed death since demonstrations began peacefully last week over economic hardship. State media attributed the death to "rioters" during clashes in **Kouhdasht**.

• A **21-year-old** member of the **Basij** paramilitary force was killed on **Wednesday**.
• The protests, initially started by shopkeepers in **Tehran** over the high cost of living, have spread to other cities and involved students from at least **10 universities**.
• **Iran's prosecutor general** stated that while peaceful economic protests are legitimate, attempts to create insecurity will be met with a "decisive response."
• The rial has lost over **one-third** of its value against the **US dollar** in the past year, and the annual inflation rate in **December** was **52 percent**.
• **Tasnim news agency** reported the arrest of **seven individuals** described as affiliated with "groups hostile to the **Islamic Republic**" who were "tasked with turning the demonstrations into violence."