DUBAI – Tensions in Iran continue to escalate as a volunteer from the Revolutionary Guard’s paramilitary unit lost his life amidst widespread demonstrations fueled by economic distress. The tragic incident, which occurred in the western part of the country, marks the first casualty among security forces since the protests began, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

The 21-year-old member of the Basij force was killed on Wednesday night, a development that might signal a tougher crackdown by Iran’s ruling theocracy. While the demonstrations have subsided in Tehran, they are gaining momentum in other regions.

The state-run IRNA news agency broke the news of the Guard member’s death but withheld further details. A report from the Student News Network, an agency with ties to the Basij, attributed the loss directly to the actions of the protesters. Saeed Pourali, a deputy governor in Lorestan province, was quoted expressing this viewpoint.

According to Pourali, the Guard volunteer was “martyred at the hands of rioters during protests in this city, while defending public order.” He also mentioned that another 13 members of the Basij and police officers were injured in the unrest.

Pourali elaborated on the root causes of the protests, stating, “The demonstrations stem from economic pressures, inflation, and currency fluctuations, reflecting citizens’ concerns about their livelihoods.” He emphasized the importance of listening to the populace’s grievances with care and wisdom, warning against the manipulation of these demands by those seeking personal gain.

The protests took place in the city of Kouhdasht, over 400 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of Tehran.

Iran’s civilian government under reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has been trying to signal it wants to negotiate with protesters. However, Pezeshkian has acknowledged there is not much he can do as Iran’s rial currency has rapidly depreciated, with $1 now costing some 1.4 million rials.

Meanwhile, state television separately reported on the arrests of seven people, including five it described as monarchists and two others it said had linked to European-based groups. State TV also said another operation saw security forces confiscate 100 smuggled pistols, without elaborating.

The protests have become the biggest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations. However, the demonstrations have yet to be countrywide and have not been as intense as those surrounding the death of Amini, who was detained over not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities.

Iran’s theocracy had declared Wednesday a public holiday across much of the country, citing cold weather, likely as a bid to get people out of the capital for a long weekend. The Iranian weekend is Thursday and Friday, while Saturday marks Imam Ali’s birthday, another holiday for many.

The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran’s theocracy as well. The country’s leaders are still reeling after Israel launched a 12-day war against the country in June. The U.S. also bombed Iranian nuclear sites during the war.

Iran has said it is no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic program to ease sanctions. However, those talks have yet to happen as U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned Tehran against reconstituting its atomic program.