Anti-government protests in Iran have reached a critical escalation as of January 9, 2026, with major demonstrations and fires reported across the capital.
Recent Events in Tehran
- Kaj Sa’adat Abad Square: Recent footage confirms multiple fires burning in this northern Tehran square late tonight. Reports indicate that protesters have targeted and set ablaze police equipment and vehicles.
- Other Districts: Similar acts of defiance have occurred in districts like Sattarkhan and Naziabad, where IRGC and Basij vehicles or bases were set on fire.
- Grand Bazaar: Following strikes that began on December 28, the central market has become a “war zone” with security forces deploying tear gas to disperse crowds.
National Context (January 2026)
- Casualties: Since protests began in late December 2025, human rights groups report between 34 and 45 deaths, including children.
- Blackout: Authorities have implemented a nationwide internet blackout, with connectivity dropping to approximately 5% to suppress the spread of protest footage.
- Drivers: The unrest was triggered by a collapse of the Iranian rial (which hit record lows of 1.4 — 1.5 million per USD) and 40% inflation. It has evolved into calls for regime change and the return of the Pahlavi monarchy.
International response has been swift, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning that the Iranian regime will be “hit very hard” if security forces continue to kill protesters.
