As of January 10, 2026, Iran is experiencing one of the most serious internal crises in its 47-year history as the Islamic Republic. What began nearly two weeks ago as demonstrations over a crashing currency and skyrocketing inflation has grown into widespread calls for the end of clerical rule, with thousands taking to the streets in cities large and small across all 31 provinces.
The protests erupted on December 28, 2025, triggered by an unprecedented drop in the value of the Iranian rial, which worsened already severe economic hardship for ordinary people. Shopkeepers in Tehran’s historic bazaars quickly went on strike, and the unrest spread rapidly from markets and universities to smaller towns. Demonstrators have chanted slogans directly against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including “Death to the dictator” and demands for freedom and regime change. In some areas, crowds have waved the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag, a symbol of opposition to the current government.
Iranian authorities have responded with a fierce crackdown. Security forces have used live ammunition, tear gas, beatings, and mass arrests to disperse crowds. Human rights groups report dozens of deaths, including children, with numbers varying: Iran Human Rights (based in Norway) documented at least 51 killed, including eight or nine children, across multiple provinces in the first two weeks. Other reports mention higher figures, with hundreds injured and thousands detained. Videos smuggled out despite restrictions show chaotic scenes, such as burning government buildings in cities like Karaj and security forces firing on protesters in places like Zahedan and Mashhad.
To limit information and coordination, the government imposed a near-total internet blackout, cutting off most online access and disrupting phone services. Rights organizations like Amnesty International have condemned this as an attempt to hide the scale of human rights violations. Some protesters have bypassed the restrictions using smuggled Starlink satellite terminals, a method seen in earlier unrest in 2022 and 2023.
Supreme Leader Khamenei has taken a hard stance, vowing in speeches that the regime will not back down against internal protests or external pressure. He has labeled demonstrators as “rioters,” “vandals,” and “saboteurs” influenced by foreign enemies like the United States and Israel. Iran’s Prosecutor General warned that participants could face charges as “enemies of God,” which carries the death penalty. The Revolutionary Guards and other forces have pledged to protect public order “without leniency.”
The unrest has drawn international attention, particularly from the United States. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iranian leaders against killing protesters. At a meeting with oil executives, he stated, “I tell the Iranian leaders — you better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting, too.” He has also said the U.S. stands ready to help Iranians achieve freedom and that the country is “locked and loaded” if violence escalates, though he emphasized no boots on the ground. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed support for the “brave people of Iran.” European leaders, including those from Britain, France, and Germany, issued a joint call for restraint and condemned the killings.
Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, has urged protesters to seize city centers and launch nationwide strikes in key sectors like oil, gas, energy, and transportation to weaken the regime. Solidarity demonstrations have occurred abroad, including in Europe.
Analysts note that while the government can repress the protests through force, it has failed to address deep-rooted economic, social, and political grievances that keep resurfacing. As the crackdown continues amid the communications blackout, many fear the violence will worsen, but the demonstrations show no immediate signs of stopping. The coming days could prove decisive for Iran’s future.