Protests against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have escalated into violence, with at least seven reported deaths across Iran as the New Year began. Demonstrations, fueled by an economic crisis and soaring inflation, spread from cities to rural areas, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces. Slogans supporting exiled figure Reza Pahlavi were also heard, with Pahlavi expressing solidarity with the protesters. The unrest highlights widespread discontent over the government's economic management.