Iran shuts down private businesses after protests as economy slumps

Iranian state television acknowledged the loss of "many martyrs" amidst ongoing anti-government protests, which began in late December due to economic grievances and have since spread across the country. Reports indicate that over 2,000 people have been killed, including protesters and security forces, with some estimates exceeding 3,000. The acknowledgment comes as activist groups report the rising death toll from clashes between protesters and security forces. Iranian state TV attributed the deaths to "armed and terrorist groups" and announced a funeral for the deceased "martyrs and security defenders" on Wednesday. The protests initially started with shopkeepers demonstrating against inflation and the collapse of the rial before expanding to universities and provincial cities.

Iran is reportedly planning to execute Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester arrested on January 8th, for participating in recent anti-government demonstrations. The execution is expected to occur on Wednesday, according to human rights groups and Soltani's family, who claim he has been denied legal representation. These protests, ongoing since December 28th, are driven by economic grievances and broader discontent with the Iranian government. In response, President Trump has threatened "strong action" if Iran proceeds with the execution. The US military is also evacuating non-essential personnel from a Qatar air base as a precaution.

Eyewitnesses report a deadly crackdown by Iranian security forces against widespread anti-government protests that began last week due to worsening economic hardship. Protesters allege that security forces used assault rifles against unarmed civilians. The protests, which occurred across the country including in Tehran and smaller cities in southern Iran, intensified after calls from Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah. In response, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated the government would not back down, and internet access has been largely cut off. Iranian authorities have blamed the US and Israel for instigating the unrest. Reports indicate that Friday was particularly violent, with security forces allegedly killing numerous protesters, leading to fear and a shift in protest tactics.

Anti-government protests in Iran, triggered by economic issues in late December, continue to pose a significant challenge to the Islamic Republic. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the Iranian government is in its "final days and weeks" due to its reliance on force and lack of legitimacy. The protests have resulted in at least 648 deaths, according to Iran Human Rights, and thousands of injuries. The Iranian regime has faced international condemnation for its crackdown, including mass arrests and internet blackouts. The US is considering options, including potential tariffs and airstrikes, while urging diplomacy. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an end to the violence and for the Iranian people's demands to be heard.

Amid ongoing anti-government protests and a violent crackdown, Iranians experienced a brief restoration of some international phone call capabilities on Tuesday. The internet remains largely blocked, restricting access to government-approved domestic websites. Security forces maintain a heavy presence in Tehran as authorities attempt to quell unrest sparked by Iran's economic crisis and calls for regime change. Activist groups report hundreds killed, though verification is difficult due to the communication blackout. The situation has drawn international attention, with the US and Iran exchanging warnings and signals regarding potential military action, despite ongoing communication between envoys. While diplomacy remains the preferred option for the US, military options are still on the table.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's deposed shah, is urging President Trump to intervene in Iran to support ongoing protests against the country's theocratic government. In a Fox News interview on January 11, 2026, Pahlavi stated that protesters are emboldened by Trump's warnings of potential military action if peaceful demonstrators are harmed. He believes U.S. intervention is necessary to remove the current regime, which he sees as a threat to Iranian, American, and regional interests. Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since the 1979 revolution, has seen a recent increase in support within Iran amid the protests that began in late December due to economic issues and have expanded into calls for the ouster of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged that "several thousand people" died during recent anti-government demonstrations, marking his first public acknowledgment of the unrest's deadly scale. Khamenei accused the US and Israel of supporting the killings, claiming the Islamic Republic possesses evidence to support this. He stated that Iran does not seek war but will punish those responsible for the unrest, both domestically and internationally. Khamenei also criticized US President Donald Trump, holding him responsible for deaths, damage, and accusations against the Iranian people, further labeling Trump a "criminal" for his personal involvement in the "sedition". Human rights groups estimate the death toll to be around 3,500, with over 22,000 people detained.

The US and UK are reducing personnel at Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US military base in the Middle East, amid rising tensions with Iran. The partial US withdrawal is described as a precautionary measure, while the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment, citing operational security. The moves come as President Trump considers potential action against Iran over its crackdown on anti-government protests, with Iran warning of retaliation if attacked. The US Mission to Saudi Arabia has also advised its personnel to exercise increased caution near military installations. While some personnel have been told to leave, there are no immediate signs of a large-scale departure.

In January 2026, the Trump administration stated that military action, including air strikes, remains an option regarding Iran, despite preferring a diplomatic solution. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that President Trump is considering "many options" in response to widespread protests and government crackdowns in Iran. These protests, met with lethal force by Iranian security forces, have reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths, though figures are difficult to verify due to an internet blackout. Trump has previously bombed Iranian nuclear facilities and threatened further action if Iran does not comply with US demands, using the government's crackdown as justification for potential military intervention. A US strike on Iran would likely violate international law.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei signaled a harsher crackdown on growing protests, which began 13 days ago over economic conditions and have expanded to calls for political reform. Khamenei blamed the US for instigating the demonstrations, referring to protesters as "vandals" and "saboteurs" working for foreign agendas. The head of Iran’s judiciary echoed this sentiment, promising decisive and maximum consequences for demonstrators. Despite an internet shutdown and escalating crackdown, protests continued across Iran, including in Tehran and Mashhad, with demonstrators chanting against the regime and in support of the exiled son of the late shah. The protests, sparked by currency depreciation, represent the most significant challenge to Iranian authorities in years.

Large anti-government protests have erupted in Tehran and other Iranian cities, marking a significant display of opposition to the current clerical establishment. The demonstrations, triggered by the collapse of the Iranian currency, have spread to over 100 cities across Iran for the past twelve days. Protesters are calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and expressing support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former shah. Reports from human rights groups indicate that dozens of protesters and security personnel have been killed, and thousands have been arrested. Videos verified by BBC Persian show large crowds chanting slogans and removing surveillance equipment, while a nationwide internet blackout has also been reported.

Anti-government protests are continuing across Iranian cities, escalating despite a crackdown by authorities. The demonstrations began in late December due to a currency crisis and economic hardship, but have expanded into broader criticism of the Iranian government. Protesters have been chanting slogans, lighting fires, and in some cases, setting buildings ablaze. Iranian authorities have vowed to quell the unrest, with the armed forces promising to protect infrastructure. Dozens of protesters have reportedly been killed. The United States has expressed support for the protesters, with President Trump pledging aid if lethal force is used, while Iran's leader accuses protesters of vandalism to please Trump. The protests are fueled by economic pressure from sanctions and a recent war with Israel.

Protests are ongoing in Iran, despite an internet shutdown and escalating crackdown by authorities. Demonstrators in cities like Tehran and Mashhad are protesting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the current regime. Videos and reports trickling out of the country describe a heavy-handed police response, including the use of live ammunition against protesters. Human rights activists report difficulty verifying claims due to the internet blackout, but testimonies suggest widespread police brutality. The US-based Human Rights Activist news agency reports at least 65 deaths. The protests, the largest in recent years, pose a significant challenge to the Iranian government, which blames the US for inciting the unrest.

Nationwide anti-regime protests in Iran have intensified, leading to a government-imposed internet blackout and a rising death toll. The internet shutdown, confirmed by NetBlocks, aims to restrict communication as protests enter their second week. The National Council of Resistance of Iran reports that at least 44 protesters have been killed by Iranian security forces during the unrest, with violence erupting in regions like Lordegan and Isfahan. The internet shutdown began Thursday, coinciding with escalating digital censorship measures and reports of cut telephone lines. President Trump has warned the Iranian regime against violence, expressing support for the Iranian people's freedom.

Armed anti-government protests in Iran intensified, particularly in Tehranpars, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The protests, ongoing for two weeks across 190 cities, have resulted in reported deaths and arrests, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran. The Iranian government has imposed internet blackouts and threatened harsh punishments. Former President Trump stated the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and warned of a strong response, short of military intervention, if Iran uses excessive force against protestors. Several airlines, including Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, have suspended flights to Iran amidst the unrest.

Following widespread protests in Iran sparked by economic concerns and spreading to anti-government sentiment, Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would intervene if peaceful protesters were killed. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded by calling Trump's statement "reckless and dangerous," asserting that Iran would forcefully reject any interference. Araghchi also alluded to Iran's military readiness. The protests, which began in Tehran due to the falling value of the Iranian currency, have spread to multiple cities, resulting in clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Reports indicate that at least eight people have died during the week-long unrest, though these reports have not been independently verified. Iranian police have stated they will prevent "enemies" from turning the unrest into chaos.

In a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the UN Security Council president on January 3, 2026, Iran's UN ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani urged condemnation of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats regarding ongoing protests in Iran. The appeal followed Trump's statement that the U.S. was prepared to intervene if Iranian authorities violently suppressed the demonstrations, which are driven by the rising cost of living. Iravani characterized Trump's remarks as a violation of the UN Charter and international law, warning against using internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention. He asserted Iran's right to defend its sovereignty and held the U.S. responsible for any consequences resulting from its threats and potential escalation. Protests were reported in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, on the same day.

Protests in Iran, triggered by financial pressures including high inflation and a currency collapse, have entered their fifth day. Demonstrations have spread from major cities like Tehran to smaller cities in the west. Clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in at least one confirmed death, a 21-year-old member of a militia, though a rights group claims he was a protester. Reports of violence and additional deaths in the city of Lordegan are unconfirmed. Protesters have been chanting slogans and engaging in acts of vandalism, resulting in injuries to security officers. The Iranian government acknowledges the need to address the public's concerns.