Iran Protests Intensify as Economic Crisis Fuels Political Uprising
Tehran, 8 January 2026 – Protests across Iran have entered their 11th day, transforming from demonstrations against economic collapse into a broader political movement demanding the downfall of the Islamic Republic. What began on 28 December 2025 as a response to soaring inflation and currency devaluation has spread nationwide, with strikes paralysing markets in cities like Shiraz, Tehran, and Kermanshah. Reports indicate growing unity among students, merchants, and political prisoners, while the regime faces accusations of foreign interference from the US and Israel.
Protests Spread Nationwide
The uprising has escalated since its start, with demonstrations resuming in Tehran’s commercial districts and expanding to western provinces such as Kermanshah and Ilam. In Abdanan, protesters temporarily liberated the city and occupied a police station on 6 January, chanting slogans against the regime. The People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI) has verified 31 martyrs so far, including the second woman executed in 2026, Soheila Azizi. Strikes have hit major bazaars, resembling a “war zone” in Tehran, and Kurdish organisations have called for a general strike on 8 January. Internet disruptions have been reported in provinces like Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, hindering communication.
Government Response and Accusations
Iranian authorities have adopted a dual strategy of arrests and censorship, denying the scale of unrest while blaming “rioters” for aligning with foreign enemies. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned that “rioters must be put in their place,” distinguishing between peaceful protesters and those inciting violence. President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the right to protest but urged unity against external pressures, announcing policy initiatives like a new subsidy framework and currency stabilisation efforts. Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei accused protesters of working with the US and Israel, while state media portrays the situation as calm. Reports of regime violence, including lethal force, persist, with unverified claims of Iraqi militias deploying to assist crackdowns.
International Tensions and Regional Context
The protests coincide with heightened tensions involving Israel and the US. Iranian analyst Ahmad Naghibzadeh predicted further Israeli strikes before Nowruz on 20 March 2026, following the 2024-2025 direct confrontations between Iran and Israel, which included missile exchanges and attacks on nuclear sites. US President Donald Trump has threatened intervention if Iran kills protesters, echoing his administration’s sanctions on Iran’s oil sector. Iran has warned of preemptive action against perceived threats and rejected new UN sanctions as illegal. Meanwhile, the Baloch insurgency has escalated, with the Mobarizoun Popular Front responding to regime violence.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Protests Recorded | 89 protests across 21 provinces since 6 January, including 19 in Tehran; general strike called for 8 January. |
| Martyrs Verified | 31 identified by PMOI, including executions and casualties from regime violence. |
| Economic Indicators | Inflation at 42.4% in 2025, projected 40%+ in 2026; rial at 1.47 million to the dollar. |
| International Sanctions | UN sanctions reimposed on 28 September 2025; US sanctions on 180+ vessels in shadow fleet. |
| Regional Conflicts | 2024-2025 Israel-Iran war resulted in direct strikes; ongoing proxy tensions in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the current protests in Iran?
The protests began on 28 December 2025 amid economic hardship, including rampant inflation, a collapsing rial, and sanctions impacting daily life. They quickly evolved into political demands for regime change, drawing parallels to the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement.
How is the Iranian government responding?
The regime has combined repression, such as arrests and internet blackouts, with conciliatory gestures like acknowledging protest rights and proposing economic reforms. However, officials accuse protesters of foreign-backed “riots” and have used lethal force in some cases.
What role do international actors play?
The US and Israel are accused by Iran of inciting unrest, with Trump warning of intervention. Iran faces UN sanctions over its nuclear programme and has warned of preemptive strikes against threats. Regional allies like Iraqi militias are rumoured to support the regime.
What are the economic challenges facing Iran?
Sanctions, mismanagement, and the aftermath of the 2024-2025 war have led to high inflation and currency devaluation. Oil revenues remain significant, but allocation issues hinder growth, with services dominating GDP despite constraints.