Pakistan, Jan. 1 -- A volunteer in Iran's Revolutionary Guard was killed during protests over the country's worsening economy, authorities said Thursday. The 21-year-old Basij member died Wednesday night in Kouhdasht, marking the first reported security force fatality in the demonstrations. Another 13 Basij members and police officers were injured.

The protests, fueled by inflation, currency depreciation, and unemployment, have expanded beyond Tehran to several provinces. Officials said the Guard member "was martyred at the hands of rioters," while state media reported seven arrests, including alleged monarchists and Europe-linked individuals.

President Masoud Pezeshkian's government signaled willingness to negotiate with demonstrators,...