09-01-2026

Iran Protests Escalate Amid Economic Crisis

Date: 09-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 2 | cbsnews.com: 3 | foxnews.com: 2 | news.sky.com: 2 | npr.org: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1
Image for cluster 6
Image Source:

Source: news.sky.com

Image content: The image is a map of Iran and its surrounding countries, with various locations marked. * The map is centered on Iran, with the country's name displayed prominently in a white box. + Iran is surrounded by several other countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. + The Caspian Sea is visible to the north of Iran. * A green box in the top-left corner of the image reads "IRAN PROTESTS" in white text. + The source of the data is listed as "DATA FOR ENSICS" in the top-right corner. * Several green squares are scattered throughout the map, indicating specific locations within Iran. + Many of these squares are clustered around Tehran, which is highlighted with a green rectangle and labeled "Tehran". + Other squares are spread out across the country, suggesting that protests or other events are taking place in multiple regions. Overall, the image appears to be a visual representation of protests or unrest in Iran

Summary

Mass anti-government protests have erupted across Iran, driven by economic woes and disillusionment with the regime, resulting in widespread violence, arrests, and internet blackouts as the government struggles to quell the unrest.

Key Points

  • Protests began on December 28 and have spread to over 280 locations in 27 provinces, with demonstrators calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
  • At least 44 protesters and eight security personnel have been killed, with over 2,270 protesters arrested
  • The Iranian government has responded with force, including raiding hospitals and arresting injured protesters and their families
  • The US has expressed support for the protesters, with President Trump warning of severe action if authorities kill protesters

Articles in this Cluster

Huge anti-government protests in Tehran and other Iranian cities, videos show

Large anti-government protests took place in Tehran and other Iranian cities, with protesters calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the return of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late former shah. The protests, which began on December 28, have spread to over 100 cities and towns across Iran's 31 provinces, sparked by anger over the collapse of the Iranian currency and economic mismanagement. Human rights groups report at least 34 protesters and eight security personnel killed, and 2,270 protesters arrested. The US President Donald Trump threatened to intervene militarily if Iranian authorities killed protesters, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on security forces to exercise restraint.
Entities: Iran, Tehran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reza Pahlavi, Donald TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Watch: Buildings in Tehran set on fire as demonstrations spread across Iran

The article reports on the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, which have spread across the country, with footage showing buildings on fire in Tehran. The demonstrations, now in their 12th consecutive day, have been triggered by frustration over the collapse of Iran's currency and have been reported in over 100 cities and towns across all 31 provinces. Human rights groups have been tracking the unrest, which has seen mosques in Tehran's Gholhak and Sa'adat Abad neighborhoods set ablaze.
Entities: Iran, Tehran, Gholhak, Sa'adat Abad, BBC PersianTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

As Iran's exiled crown prince calls for Iranians to seize protest momentum, could it be a tipping point? - CBS News

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for Iranians to chant against the country's leadership at 8 p.m. local time on Thursday and Friday, potentially marking a tipping point in the 12-day-old protests. Analysts believe that if a significant number of people respond to Pahlavi's call, it could lead to a major challenge to the government and a possible wider crackdown. The protests, driven by economic woes, have continued to spread despite measures aimed at placating demonstrators. Experts say the Iranian government lacks a meaningful way to address the concerns of the protesters, and the situation could be further complicated by external factors such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's potential interest in targeting Iran's ballistic missile program.
Entities: Reza Pahlavi, Iran, Tehran, Mona Yacoubian, Center for Strategic and International StudiesTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Internet service in Iran cut off or restricted as deadly protests reach a possible tipping point - CBS News

Iranian authorities have cut off phone and internet services in several parts of the country, including the capital Tehran, as mass protests against the government continue for the 12th day. The protests, which have resulted in at least 42 deaths and over 2,260 detentions, are seen as a significant challenge to the government. The US has expressed support for the protesters, with President Trump warning that the US will take severe action if authorities kill protesters. The internet blackout is seen as an attempt to hinder the public's right to communicate and suppress the protests.
Entities: Iran, Tehran, Reza Pahlavi, US, President TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran leans into anti-Western bluster as it tries to quell increasingly deadly protests - CBS News

Iran is facing widespread protests that have turned deadly, with the death toll rising to nearly 40 according to a US-based monitoring group. The protests began as demonstrations against inflation and the cost of living but have escalated into broader anti-regime protests. The Iranian government has responded with anti-Western rhetoric and economic aid to quell the unrest, while also executing a man convicted of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. The US has threatened to intervene if protesters are not protected, with President Trump stating that the US could hit Iran 'very hard' if necessary. The protests have continued for 12 days, with the government attempting to calm the situation by tripling national subsidies for basic goods.
Entities: Iran, United States, Israel, Donald Trump, Mahsoud PezeshkianTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran internet plunged into darkness amid anti-government protests | Fox News

Iran has been plunged into a nationwide internet blackout as anti-regime protests intensify, severely restricting communication across the country. The protests, now in their 12th day, have resulted in at least 44 deaths and have spread across major cities, with demonstrators targeting state symbols and security forces. The Iranian government has cut off internet and telephone lines in parts of the country, coinciding with violent confrontations in several regions. The protests were sparked by economic issues but have evolved into a broader movement demanding the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. The international community, including the US, has taken notice, with President Trump warning the Iranian regime that they will be 'hit very hard' if they continue to kill protesters.
Entities: Iran, Donald Trump, National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), NetBlocks, Hugh HewittTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran regime deploys Iraqi ,Hezbollah militias as uprising spreads, reports say | Fox News

The Iranian regime is reportedly deploying Iraqi and Hezbollah militias to suppress anti-regime protests that have been ongoing for 12 days across the country. The protests, driven by economic collapse and political grievances, have resulted in at least 38 deaths and over 2,200 arrests. The regime's use of foreign militias marks a significant escalation in its response to the unrest, with experts warning of broader regional security implications.
Entities: Iran, Hezbollah, Iraq, Quds Force, Lisa DaftariTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Inside Iran's protests: Gunfire, hospital raids and growing anger | World News | Sky News

Protests have been ongoing in Iran for nearly two weeks, sparked by the country's economic crisis and fueled by widespread anger towards the government. The demonstrations, which began on December 28, have spread to over 280 locations in 27 provinces, with protesters clashing with security forces and calling for an end to the regime. The government has responded with force, including raiding hospitals and arresting injured protesters and their families. The economic situation in Iran has deteriorated significantly, with the value of the Iranian currency, the rial, collapsing and inflation running at around 40%. Experts warn that the cycle of violence is likely to continue, with the government struggling to alleviate the economic situation.
Entities: Iran, Malekshahi, Revolutionary Guards, Sky News, Amnesty InternationalTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iranian state media blames US and Israel for protests as internet is shut down | World News | Sky News

Iranian state media has blamed the US and Israel for the ongoing protests in Iran, which began last month triggered by a sharp decline in the value of the rial currency. The protests have spread to all 31 provinces, with reports of violence, casualties, and arrests. The government has initiated a nationwide internet blackout, which has also affected international phone calls. The exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has called for mass demonstrations, and his statement was followed by large protests on Thursday night. The unrest has resulted in 34 protesters and four security personnel being killed, with 2,200 arrests. The economy has been damaged by US sanctions, mismanagement, and corruption, with the value of the rial currency plummeting.
Entities: Iran, US, Israel, Reza Pahlavi, TehranTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Protests sweep Iran despite internet shutdown as state TV warns of casualties : NPR

Protests have erupted in Iran despite the government's efforts to shut down the internet and international telephone calls. The demonstrations, which began on December 28, have intensified and spread across the country, with protesters chanting against the government and in support of the exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. The Iranian state media has alleged that 'terrorist agents' of the US and Israel are behind the violence, while the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported that at least 42 people have been killed and over 2,270 detained. The protests have been fueled by Iran's ailing economy and have morphed into a significant challenge to the government.
Entities: Iran, Reza Pahlavi, Tehran, United States, IsraelTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran’s rulers face legitimacy crisis amid spreading unrest | The Straits Times

Iran's clerical establishment is facing a legitimacy crisis as anti-government unrest spreads across the country, driven by economic discontent and disillusionment with the Shi'ite status quo. The protests, which began in Tehran in December, have now spread to all 31 provinces, with at least 34 protesters and four security personnel killed, and 2,200 arrested. The unrest highlights the growing gap between the priorities of Iran's religious rulers and the expectations of a young society. Experts say the regime's strategy of repression and tactical concessions is reaching its limits, and change now looks inevitable, although regime collapse is not guaranteed.
Entities: Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mahsa Amini, Tehran, USTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform