Iran arrests protest leaders as crackdown intensifies amid threat of US intervention

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by William Christou in Beirut, Deepa Parent, and Lorenzo Tondo in JerusalemJanuary 11, 2026 at 03:19 PM

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Iranian authorities have arrested key protest leaders amid intensifying crackdowns on demonstrations that began two weeks ago, triggered by economic decline but evolving into demands for political reform. Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan announced the arrests, while the Attorney General warned protesters could face charges punishable by death. The unrest, considered the most significant in years, occurs against a backdrop of economic crisis and recent conflict with Israel. Authorities have implemented internet blackouts, which human rights groups say have enabled a more brutal crackdown, with reports of deadly force and live ammunition used against protesters. At least 116 deaths and 2,600 arrests have been reported. The US has threatened intervention if the violence against protesters continues.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Israel 40% Tehran 50% Human Rights Activists News Agency 50% Ahmad-Reza Radan 60% Donald Trump ×370% United States ×580% Iran ×1090%

Keywords

iran protests 100% crackdown 90% arrests 80% us intervention 70% political reform 60% internet shutdown 50% economic crisis 50% human rights 40% live ammunition 40%