Iran: Three killed in armed clash during protests

At least three people have died in an armed clash at a police station in Malekshah, Ilam Province, amid ongoing nationwide protests, local media report.

According to Fars news agency, protesters attacked the police station, resulting in the fatalities.

The Mehr news agency specified that one police officer and two protesters were killed, while several others were injured.

The deaths come as Iran experiences its largest demonstrations in three years, triggered by rising inflation and the record devaluation of the national currency against the U.S. dollar.

Authorities have not yet commented further on the incident.

Protests carried on in several cities nationwide throughout January 3, the seventh day of a movement sparked by anger over the rising cost of living in the Islamic Republic.

At least 12 people have been killed since December 31 in clashes, including members of the security forces, according to a toll based on official reports.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency monitor said that over the past seven days, protests have been recorded at least 174 locations in 60 cities across 25 of Iran's 31 provinces.

During this period, at least 582 individuals were arrested, and at least 15 protesters have been killed, it said.

By Khagan Isayev