Recent nationwide demonstrations in Iran, triggered by severe economic hardships, have led to widespread violence, a heavy security response, and accusations from authorities of external orchestration by the United States and Israel.
The unrest, which began in late December 2025 and intensified into January 2026, reflects deep public frustration over soaring inflation, a collapsing currency, and broader governance issues, while Iranian officials frame much of the violence as acts of foreign-backed terrorism.
The protests started around December 28, 2025, primarily in Tehran’s bazaars and markets, driven by record devaluation of the Iranian rial—reaching lows around 1.4 million to the US dollar—and annual inflation exceeding 40 percent, with food prices rising sharply. Initial demonstrations focused on economic grievances such as high living costs, energy shortages, and reduced purchasing power, spreading quickly to universities, merchants, and cities across all 31 provinces.
According to details received by Diplomat Digital, what began as peaceful economic protests soon involved incidents of violence. Reports from multiple sources indicate that in early January, clashes occurred between demonstrators and security forces, with some accounts describing masked individuals infiltrating crowds to incite destruction, including stone-throwing, arson, and attacks on public buildings. By January 8, 2026, violence escalated significantly in several cities, resulting in deaths among both protesters, bystanders, and security personnel. Iranian state media and officials reported attacks on mosques, schools, and other sites, attributing them to “rioters” or “terrorists.” Human rights groups documented dozens of fatalities in the initial phase, with numbers rising amid reports of live ammunition use by authorities.
The turning point came around January 8–9, when widespread unrest led to a near-total internet and telecommunications blackout imposed by authorities, severely limiting information flow and external communication. This shutdown, ongoing in significant parts as of mid-January, was described by officials as necessary to curb coordination among agitators. International monitors, including the United Nations and rights organizations like Amnesty International and HRANA, expressed alarm over restricted access to information during reported escalations of force, with hundreds of arrests and casualties noted.
Why this matters
These events represent one of the most extensive challenges to Iran’s government since the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests and the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The economic triggers highlight longstanding pressures from international sanctions, regional conflicts—including the 2025 Iran–Israel war—and domestic policy choices, exacerbating public discontent. The unrest has drawn global attention, with US President Donald Trump issuing warnings of potential intervention if violence against protesters continues, while raising questions about regime stability, human rights, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Protests originated from legitimate economic complaints but evolved into broader anti-government expressions in many areas. Violence included reported arson at religious and public sites, clashes causing deaths on both sides, and a security crackdown involving arrests and lethal force. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials, including Supreme Leader representatives, have accused the US and Israel of funding and directing “terrorists” to incite chaos, burn symbols, and destabilize the country. State media emphasized foreign plots, linking them to historical adversaries since the 1979 revolution. Independent verifications remain limited due to the blackout and restricted access.
What is happening presently
As of January 12–13, 2026, violence has reportedly subsided in many areas compared to the peak around January 8–10, with fewer major incidents of clashes. Authorities called for and held nationwide pro-government marches on January 12, described as rallies against “terrorism” and foreign interference, drawing large crowds in cities including Tehran and Qom. State outlets portrayed these as public rejection of violence and support for stability. Internet restrictions persist in varying degrees, hampering real-time reporting. Security forces maintain a heavy presence, with ongoing arrests, while some protests continue sporadically despite the risks.
Iranian officials, including Pezeshkian and IRGC statements, insist the core unrest stems from external enemies—specifically American and Zionist conspiracies—aiming to create insecurity, damage the economy, and undermine the Islamic Republic established in 1979. They describe releases of information about foreign involvement as self-evident through public statements and social media from Western leaders. International reactions vary: Western governments and human rights bodies condemn excessive force, call for restraint, and urge investigations into deaths; some express concern over potential foreign meddling claims. The UN and others have highlighted the need to restore communications and protect protest rights.