Mass Protests Grip Iran Amid Internet Blackout, Death Penalty Threats, and Opposition Calls

Widespread civil unrest continues to engulf the Islamic Republic of Iran. These disturbances, which initially flared up in late December 2025, were fundamentally triggered by a severe economic downturn. This crisis was starkly illustrated by a significant devaluation of the national currency, the rial, coupled with inflation that surged to 42.2 percent year-over-year in December. While the movement began with demands centered on economic relief, it has since morphed into a substantial challenge to the current regime, with demonstrators even voicing support for the deposed monarchy.

In response to the escalating situation, Iranian authorities have implemented drastic, unprecedented suppression measures. Beginning on January 8, 2026, the nation experienced a comprehensive and sustained shutdown of internet and telephone services. NetBlocks reported that this action slashed network activity down to just one percent of normal levels. Amid this imposed information vacuum, Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad issued a stern ultimatum: protesters and their collaborators would face charges of 'enmity against God' (moharebeh), a crime punishable by death. Prosecutors were explicitly instructed to pursue these cases without leniency.

The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly dismissed the legitimacy of the protests, labeling participants as 'vandals' and 'saboteurs.' He directly implicated the United States and Israel as the organizers behind the unrest. Meanwhile, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani confirmed substantial property damage, reporting that 26 banks and 25 mosques had been set ablaze on January 8 and 9 alone. He also mentioned the alleged death of the Isfahan prosecutor. By January 9, the human rights organization HRANA had documented the deaths of at least 65 individuals, comprising 50 protesters and 14 security personnel, with the total number of arrests surpassing 2,300. An anonymous physician in Tehran, speaking to Time magazine, suggested that the casualty count in Tehran hospitals alone might have reached 217, noting that most victims sustained gunshot wounds.

Against the backdrop of this domestic turmoil, Iranian opposition forces operating in exile have become significantly more active. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issued a video message urging a nationwide strike across critical sectors, including transportation, oil and gas, and energy. Pahlavi articulated that the movement’s focus had shifted from street demonstrations to preparing for the 'seizure and occupation of urban centers,' expressing his readiness to return to Iran to guide the transition toward democracy. These calls coincided with 116 separate protest actions across 22 provinces since January 8, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The international community has registered high levels of concern regarding the unfolding events. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously cautioned that he was prepared to 'hit hard' if protesters were killed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the violence, asserting that those responsible for the repression would be 'remembered on the wrong side of history.' Analysts, such as Georgetown University Professor Nader Hashemi, interpret the regime's heavy-handed tactics as indicative of a 'complete state of panic.' Adding another layer of tension, the Iranian Army announced on January 10 its readiness to join the suppression efforts, blaming Israel and 'terrorist groups' for instigating the chaos. The overall situation remains acutely volatile, fueled by the ongoing economic contraction and deep-seated public dissatisfaction.