Protesters in Iran have tried to break into a local government building in the southern province of Fars, on a fourth day of demonstrations sparked by a currency collapse.
Officials said three police officers were injured and four people arrested in the city of Fasa.
Confrontations were reported in the western provinces of Hamedan and Lorestan.
The authorities in Tehran declared Wednesday a bank holiday in an apparent effort to quell the unrest.
In video footage verified by the BBC, crowds are seen breaking the gate of the governor's office in Fasa. Moments later, security forces were filmed responding with gunfire as clouds of tear gas engulfed the area, leading to chaos outside closed shops.
Due to the escalating protests, schools, universities, and public institutions were closed across the country under the guise of saving energy amidst cold weather, though many viewed this as a tactic to contain the dissent.
The protests, triggered by a significant drop in the Iranian currency against the US dollar since Sunday, have led to widespread discontent. University students quickly joined the movement, voicing opposition to the clerical regime.
This unrest marks the most extensive protests since the 2022 uprising following the death of Mahsa Amini, although current participation levels are lower.
In response, the Iranian government has tightened security, particularly in areas where protests began. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated intentions to address the legitimate demands of demonstrators. However, prosecutor general Mohammad Movahedi-Azad issued a warning against any attempts to disturb public order, promising a decisive response.
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