At least 109 members of Iran’s security forces have been killed during ongoing nationwide protests, according to state and semi-official media, as violence escalates and authorities issue stern warnings against those involved.

Iranian state television reported on Sunday that 30 police and security personnel were killed in the latest unrest in Isfahan province, while a further six died in clashes in western Kermanshah province. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said the nationwide death toll among security forces has now reached 109.

Amid the violence, a mosque in the eastern city of Mashhad was set on fire late on Saturday night, state media reported. Images circulated by Iranian outlets showed damage to the building, though details about those responsible were not immediately clear.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society also said that one of its employees was killed after a relief building was attacked in Gorgan, the capital of Golestan province, highlighting the widening impact of the unrest beyond security targets.

According to Al Jazeera, the latest casualty figures emerged as authorities intensified efforts to suppress what they describe as the largest wave of protests in recent years. Thousands of people have taken to the streets across the country to protest against soaring inflation and the rising cost of living.

Iran’s Interior Ministry has claimed that the “riots” are gradually coming under control. However, the country’s Attorney General has warned that those involved in violent acts could face the death penalty.

Hasan Ahmadian, a professor at the University of Tehran, told Al Jazeera that protests which began around two weeks ago turned particularly violent last Thursday. He described that day as “one of the most horrific days in the history of Iran, including Tehran”.

“Iranians are largely dissatisfied with the country’s economic situation,” Ahmadian said, adding that while public anger is widespread, many citizens are also unhappy with the turn towards violence.

Meanwhile, state television reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian, in an interview broadcast on Sunday, discussed the government’s economic plans and what he described as “the demands of the people”. 

During the interview, Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of instigating unrest in Iran, alleging they were attempting to create chaos by provoking “riots”.

The president urged Iranians to distance themselves from what he described as “rioters and terrorists”, as tensions remain high and the situation continues to unfold.