Protesters in Iran attacked a Soleimani statue and an IRGC base, killing at least five, ahead of the 2020 drone strike anniversary.

Protesters in Iran set fire to a statue of Qassem Soleimani in Lali, Khuzestan, and attacked an IRGC headquarters in Hamedan amid escalating nationwide unrest. The acts occurred one day before the anniversary of Soleimani’s 2020 U.S. drone strike death, reflecting deepening public dissent. At least five protesters died in Lorestan, and 13 were injured in Hamedan. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned foreign powers, reaffirmed national unity, and called citizens’ livelihoods a “red line.” U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz backed demonstrators.