At least three people have died in protests over Iran's worsening economy. Two died Thursday in the city of Lordegan, in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, where videos showed street protests amid gunfire. The semiofficial Fars news agency and human rights groups confirmed the deaths. Separately, a 21-year-old Basij volunteer was killed during protests Wednesday night in Kouhdasht, Lorestan province, according to state-run IRNA. Saeed Pourali, deputy governor of Lorestan, blamed "rioters" for the Guard member’s death and said 13 Basij and police officers were injured. Pourali said, "The protests that have occurred are due to economic pressures, inflation and currency fluctuations, and are an expression of livelihood concerns." He also warned that demands should not be exploited by profit-seekers. Authorities arrested 20 people in Kouhdasht and said calm had returned. State TV reported seven arrests elsewhere, including monarchists and people linked to European groups, and seized 100 smuggled pistols. Iran's current unrest is the largest since the 2022 protests after Mahsa Amini’s death. However, unlike before, these protests have centered on economic hardship and have spread mainly in rural areas with significant Lur populations. The government declared Wednesday a public holiday, possibly to reduce crowds. Protests also include chants against Iran's theocratic system. The unrest comes amid continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, with recent bombings by the US aimed at nuclear sites and ongoing warnings from US and Israeli leaders against rebuilding nuclear capabilities.