What's happened
As of January 10, 2026, widespread protests in Iran have intensified, spreading across more than 25 cities due to economic hardship and currency collapse. At least 62 people have died and over 2,300 detained. Supreme Leader Khamenei condemned protesters as foreign agents, while US President Trump threatened strong retaliation if protesters are harmed. Iran has imposed internet blackouts to curb unrest.
What's behind the headline?
Political and Social Dynamics
The current protests represent a significant challenge to Iran's regime, combining economic despair with growing political dissent. The government's dual approach—acknowledging legitimate economic grievances while harshly condemning 'rioters'—reflects an attempt to maintain control without fully alienating the populace.
Role of Leadership and External Influence
Supreme Leader Khamenei's framing of protesters as 'mercenaries for foreigners' aims to delegitimize the movement by linking it to US hostility, particularly President Trump's vocal support for demonstrators. Trump's threats of intervention, though vague, escalate tensions and provide the regime with a narrative of external aggression.
Impact of Communication Blackouts
The internet and phone blackouts serve to disrupt protest coordination and limit international awareness, but also obscure the true scale of violence and repression. This tactic likely facilitates harsher crackdowns away from global scrutiny.
Forecast and Consequences
The protests will likely persist given the deep economic and social grievances. The regime's willingness to impose severe penalties, including death sentences for 'moharebeh,' signals a readiness for violent suppression. International condemnation may increase, but tangible external intervention remains uncertain. The unrest could destabilize Iran further, impacting regional security and global energy markets.
Relevance to Readers
Understanding these protests is crucial as they affect global geopolitics, energy supplies, and human rights. The US and European responses will shape future diplomatic and security policies, while the Iranian people's struggle highlights the broader challenges of authoritarian governance amid economic crisis.
What the papers say
Sky News highlights the escalating violence and detention toll, quoting the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting at least 62 deaths and over 2,300 arrests. It also details Supreme Leader Khamenei's accusations of foreign-backed 'vandals' and the prosecutor's warning of death penalties for protesters labeled as 'moharebeh.' The article quotes President Trump threatening to 'hit them very, very hard where it hurts' if killings continue.
Al Jazeera provides context on Khamenei's televised address accusing protesters of acting on behalf of Trump and foreign enemies, emphasizing the regime's narrative of external interference. It notes the internet blackout and the role of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in calling for mass demonstrations, which have intensified the unrest.
The New Arab and France 24 offer detailed accounts of the protests' spread to over 25 cities, the deaths of security personnel and protesters, and the regime's mixed response—acknowledging economic grievances while condemning rioters. They describe the protests' evolution from economic to political demands, including flag burnings and anti-regime slogans.
Reuters and The Times of Israel report on Khamenei's speech emphasizing dialogue with protesters but no tolerance for rioters, and note the US stance with Trump stating the US is 'locked and loaded' but without specifying actions. They also document the casualties and the geographic concentration of protests in western and southwestern Iran.
Together, these sources illustrate a complex picture of escalating unrest, government repression, international posturing, and the deepening crisis within Iran.
How we got here
The protests began on December 28, 2025, triggered by a sharp fall in Iran's rial currency and economic stagnation worsened by sanctions and drought. Initially focused on economic grievances, demonstrations have expanded to political demands, challenging the Islamic Republic's authority. Previous large-scale protests occurred in 2019 and 2022, sparked by fuel price hikes and the death of Mahsa Amini.
Go deeper
- What are the main causes of the protests in Iran?
- How is the Iranian government responding to the unrest?
- What role is the US playing in the Iran protests?
Common question
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Why Are Iran Protests Turning Political?
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Why are Iran protests spreading and what’s behind the crackdown?
Iran's recent protests have captured global attention, with thousands taking to the streets across multiple cities. The unrest is driven by economic hardship, currency collapse, and demands for political freedom. But what exactly is fueling this wave of protests, and how is the government responding? Below, we explore the key questions about Iran's ongoing unrest, international reactions, and what might come next.
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What’s driving the recent surge in global protests and unrest?
Across the world, protests and unrest are escalating at an unprecedented pace. From Iran's crackdown on demonstrations over economic hardship to environmental threats impacting ecosystems, many factors are fueling this wave of global upheaval. Curious about what’s behind these protests, how governments are responding, and what it means for global stability? Read on to find out the key reasons and implications of this rising unrest.
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Why Are Protests in Iran Escalating Now?
Recent protests across Iran have intensified dramatically, raising questions about what's fueling this surge in unrest. Economic hardship, currency collapse, and political grievances are driving thousands to the streets. But what exactly is behind this escalation, and what could it mean for Iran's future? Below, we explore the key factors and responses shaping this crisis.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.