Two people have been reported dead amid continued demonstrations in Iran, as public unrest linked to the rising cost of living entered its fifth day, underscoring the depth of economic concerns facing many citizens.

According to reports by the semi-official Fars news agency and Kurdish human rights group Hengaw, the fatalities occurred during confrontations between protesters and security forces in the city of Lordegan, located in Iran’s south-western region. The incident reflects the growing intensity of demonstrations as economic pressures persist across the country.

Videos circulated on social media on Thursday showed dramatic scenes from the protests, including cars set ablaze amid fast-moving clashes between demonstrators and security personnel. Despite the volatility, the widespread sharing of footage highlights an increasingly engaged population using digital platforms to express grievances and draw attention to local developments.

Protesters in several cities have voiced broader political demands alongside economic frustrations. Some chants have called for an end to the rule of Iran’s supreme leader, while others have reflected nostalgia among certain groups for Iran’s former monarchical system. These varied expressions point to an evolving national conversation driven by economic hardship and aspirations for change.

The protests were triggered by a sharp collapse in the national currency, which has significantly affected purchasing power and daily life. As demonstrations spread, authorities declared a bank holiday on Wednesday, leading to the closure of schools, universities, and public institutions nationwide. While officials cited energy conservation due to cold weather as the reason, many citizens interpreted the move as an effort to reduce public gatherings and ease tensions.

Ukraine has confirmed an agreement with the United States on a minerals deal, calling it a “positive outcome” with “good amendments,” though officials have yet to disclose further details.

Media reports suggest that Washington has dropped an initial demand for a $500 billion share in potential revenue from Ukraine’s natural resources. However, the deal does not appear to include the firm security guarantees that Kyiv had sought.

US President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to Washington this week to finalize the agreement. The development follows a series of tense exchanges between the two leaders.

While Trump did not explicitly confirm the deal’s finalization, he stated that in return, Ukraine would get “the right to fight on.” Acknowledging Ukraine’s resilience, he added, “Without the United States and its money and its military equipment, this war would have been over in a very short period of time.”

When asked whether US military support for Ukraine would continue, Trump indicated that assistance might persist “until we have a deal with Russia,” stressing the need for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict. He also suggested that any future peace deal would require “some form of peacekeeping” acceptable to all parties involved.

Ukraine possesses vast deposits of critical minerals such as lithium and titanium, alongside substantial reserves of coal, gas, oil, and uranium—resources valued in the billions. Trump has framed the agreement as one that will allow the US to recoup more than it has spent on supporting Ukraine. However, final details of the deal reportedly remain under negotiation.

Two Australian nurses have been suspended after a video surfaced showing them making violent antisemitic remarks, including threats to harm Israeli patients. The incident, which allegedly took place at a hospital in Sydney, has sparked outrage and is now under police investigation.

New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed that the two individuals had been stood down immediately and would never work in the state’s healthcare system again. Authorities are conducting a thorough review of hospital records to ensure no patients were harmed, though a rapid preliminary check found nothing unusual.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video as “sickening and shameful,” emphasizing that antisemitism has no place in Australia. His comments come just days after the country passed stricter hate crime laws in response to a surge in antisemitic incidents.

The video, shared online by Israeli content creator Max Veifer, appears to have been recorded in a hospital setting. In the footage, a man claiming to be a doctor tells Veifer he has “beautiful eyes” but adds, “I’m sorry you’re Israeli,” before making a throat-slitting gesture and stating he sends Israelis to “Jahannam” (an Islamic concept of hell). A woman later appears on screen, saying she refuses to treat Israelis and will “kill them” instead.

Despite the video being edited with emojis and censoring certain comments, authorities have not questioned its authenticity. NSW Police stated they have identified the individuals involved and are investigating whether criminal charges should be pursued.

Albanese vowed that anyone found guilty of committing hate crimes will “face the full force of our laws.” Park echoed this sentiment, apologizing to the Jewish community and reassuring them that NSW hospitals remain committed to providing “first-class” healthcare to all patients, regardless of background.