Demonstrations broke out in Kurdish parts of Iran on Wednesday despite police using teargas, pellet guns, and live bullets to disperse crowds. Protesters shouted against government corruption and shut shops in several cities. “They are killing us. They’re showing no mercy,” said a female protester in Kermanshah, a Kurdish city, describing harsh police action including beating a woman in the street. The protests started 11 days ago due to the falling value of the Iranian rial. They have grown to include wider anger at the government’s handling of the crisis. Videos show university students demanding the return of exiled former prince Reza Pahlavi and resisting security forces’ violence. Seven Kurdish opposition parties have called a general strike on Thursday. Pahlavi also urged nationwide protests. Hiwa Bahrami from the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan called the strike a peaceful but strong message of resistance. Witnesses and the Norway-based Hengaw human rights group reported security forces firing Kalashnikov rifles. At least 36 people, including children and security agents, have died since the unrest began. Over 2,100 arrests have been made. Iran’s government has combined attempts at dialogue and economic aid with tough police action. President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered probes into videos of security forces raiding a hospital and announced a state subsidy to help citizens buy basic goods. Meanwhile, Iran’s army chief warned of pre-emptive military actions against foreign threats. The economic crisis deepens as Iran cancels a key trade subsidy, pushing prices up. The rial has lost two-thirds of its value in three years, with food prices rising 72% over the last year. Vice-president Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah called the situation a “full-fledged economic war” and urged fighting corruption. Protesters vowed to stay on the streets despite arrests and warnings. Families of those killed last year said they were told not to join protests but activists like Soran from Kermanshah declared, “Tomorrow is the day all the Kurdish people will be on the streets.”