Iran Convulsed in Second Night of Nationwide Protests

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Farnaz FassihiJanuary 10, 2026 at 12:42 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

On Friday, January 9, 2026, Iran experienced a second night of widespread, anti-government protests across the country, including in major cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. Tens of thousands of Iranians participated, despite a total internet blackout and threats of a severe crackdown from Iranian leadership. Protesters, reportedly from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, chanted slogans against the government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and some were seen burning symbols of the Islamic Republic. State television warned of potential violence and urged parents to keep their children home. Khamenei condemned the protesters as rioters influenced by the United States and Israel.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tabriz 30% Mashhad 30% Urumiyeh 30% Israel 40% United States 40% Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi 50% BBC Persian Television ×260% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×270% Farnaz Fassihi ×270% Islamic Republic 70% Tehran ×380% Iran ×290%

Keywords

nationwide protests 100% iran 90% antigovernment protests 80% internet blackout 70% crackdown 70% islamic republic 60% death to the dictator 50% ayatollah khamenei 50% royalist flag 40%