Protests against Iran's government have spread to at least 17 of the country's 31 provinces, marking the biggest challenge to the clerical rulers since 2022. Verified video evidence shows demonstrations in over 40 towns and cities, including places once loyal to the regime, like Qom and Mashhad. The unrest began on 28 December in Tehran after the Iranian currency sharply dropped in value against the dollar. According to Prof Sina Azodi of George Washington University, protests in loyalist areas show that "the government's base of support is also suffering under the economic hardship." Initially, security forces appeared to use less violence, but after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on 30 December that "rioters must be put in their place," the crackdown intensified. Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei promised to listen to peaceful protesters but warned that those inciting riots would face a firm response. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps also warned protesters in Lorestan province that street gatherings would no longer be tolerated. Human rights groups report at least 35 deaths during the protests, including some security personnel. One violent incident in Malekshahi, Ilam province, involved gunfire and several deaths. Videos also show security forces firing near an Ilam hospital, sparking a presidential probe. Protesters have also attacked government forces. In Qom, officers on motorbikes were hit with rocks, and one was set on fire with an improvised flamethrower. In Azna, protesters reportedly set fire outside a police station after security forces opened fire on demonstrators. The protests started over Iran's economic struggles and alleged government corruption. However, slogans now call for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Khamenei and the clerical system. Some protesters support Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, and have chanted "death to the dictator." In Iranshahr, a statue of Khamenei was burned. Holly Dagres, a Washington Institute fellow, noted that while the causes differ, the problems remain: "systemic mismanagement, corruption, and repression." Most experts say the protests are widespread but not an immediate threat to the regime, as security forces stay loyal and no clear plan to topple the government has emerged.