Amid widespread protests across Iran over economic distress, a police officer was killed in a drive-by shooting in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Iranian media reported on Wednesday. The incident marks the second killing of a police officer in the country within two days, intensifying concerns over rising violence during the unrest.
The officer has been identified as Mahmoud Haghighat. Iranian media said the attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when unidentified gunmen targeted a police vehicle on duty.
Attack caught on video
A video circulating on social media shows an assailant leaning out of a moving vehicle and repeatedly firing at the police car. The officer’s vehicle is seen veering off the road and crashing after coming under sustained gunfire. Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the video but acknowledged the incident.
Officials described the killing as a “heinous crime” and said efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
Second police killing amid unrest
This is the second reported killing of a police officer amid the ongoing protests. On Tuesday, another officer, Ehsan Aghajani, was shot dead during clashes in Malekshahi district of Ilam province in western Iran, according to reports by Fars News Agency. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Malekshahi is a district with a population of around 20,000 and is home to many members of Iran’s Kurdish minority, international media reported.
Protests spread nationwide
Iran has been witnessing its most intense protests in nearly three years following the closure of shops in Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar, triggered by a sharp fall in the value of the rial. Since then, demonstrations have spread to several provinces, fuelled by public anger over economic mismanagement, Western sanctions, and restrictions on political and social freedoms.
Authorities have increased security deployments in sensitive regions, including Sistan and Baluchestan, which has seen sporadic violence in the past.
International reactions add tension
US President Donald Trump has publicly voiced support for the protesters, stating that the United States would stand with them if Iranian forces use lethal force. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also expressed backing for the demonstrators.
Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that no leniency would be shown towards those “aiding the enemies of the Islamic Republic”, signalling a hardening stance by the authorities.
Investigation continues
Iranian police said investigations into both killings are ongoing, and security has been tightened in several regions as protests continue. Officials have urged calm while warning against violence against security personnel.