Iran: Crackdown on farmer protests leaves seven wounded in Varzaneh March 9

Event

Iranian security forces fired gunshots and tear gas at protesting farmers in Varzaneh (Isfahan province) on Friday, March 9, wounding at least seven farmers. According to local media sources, the farmers were protesting the perceived lack of action taken by the Iranian government to address the plight of agricultural workers amid the ongoing drought in the region, demanding that the government provide sufficient water supplies for agricultural use. Additional farmer protests, and associated Iranian security forces crackdowns on such protests, are possible in the Varzaneh area in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Farmers and others have staged related protests in Varzaneh since February 28. Notably, security forces clashed with farmers in a protest in the area on March 2.

The ongoing drought has affected Isfahan province for some ten years, forcing many farmers to abandon agriculture altogether and migrate to cities to earn a living.

Advice

Individuals in Isfahan province, particularly in the vicinity of Varzaneh, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.