13-01-2026

Iran Protests: Deadly Crackdown and International Tensions Escalate

Date: 13-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 3 | cbsnews.com: 4 | economist.com: 4 | edition.cnn.com: 3 | foxnews.com: 4 | news.sky.com: 4 | npr.org: 1
Image for cluster 10
Image Source:

Source: edition.cnn.com

Image content: The image depicts a large billboard on a building with a mural of soldiers marching towards a castle, accompanied by Iranian flags and text in Persian. 1. The main subject or scene shown is a mural on a billboard depicting soldiers marching towards a castle. 2. The visible elements include: - A large billboard on a building featuring a mural of soldiers in military attire marching towards a castle. - Iranian flags and Persian text on the billboard. - A busy street with cars, taxis, motorcycles, and pedestrians. - Trees and other buildings in the surrounding area. 3. The news-worthy elements or context identifiable from the image itself include the presence of military imagery and Iranian flags, suggesting a possible connection to Iranian politics or military activities. The image shows a large billboard featuring a mural of soldiers marching towards a castle, with Iranian flags and Persian text, situated above a busy street with cars and pedestrians. The billboard is on a building with a row of stores

Summary

Widespread anti-government protests in Iran have led to a violent crackdown by security forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. The protests, driven by economic hardship and demands for regime change, have sparked international tensions, with the US considering military intervention and imposing tariffs on countries trading with Iran.

Key Points

  • Iranian security forces have used live ammunition against unarmed protesters, resulting in significant casualties.
  • The protests have spread across the country, involving diverse groups, including women, middle-class individuals, and young people.
  • The US is considering various options, including military strikes, cyber operations, and psychological campaigns, in response to the crisis.
  • Iran's government has imposed a near-total internet blackout, making it difficult to verify the full scale of the violence.
  • International human rights groups have condemned the Iranian government's use of lethal force against protesters.

Articles in this Cluster

Iran protests: Eyewitnesses describe deadly crackdown across country

The article reports on the violent crackdown by Iranian security forces on anti-government protests across the country. Eyewitnesses describe the use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters, resulting in a significant number of deaths and injuries. The protests, which began in response to economic hardship, were fueled by calls from Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last shah of Iran. The government has accused the US and Israel of fomenting trouble, while international human rights groups have condemned the use of lethal force by security forces. The death toll is estimated to be in the hundreds, with some sources suggesting it could be as high as thousands.
Entities: Iran, Reza Pahlavi, Ali Khamenei, US, IsraelTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Lyse Doucet: Iran's rulers face biggest challenge since 1979 revolution

Iran's rulers are facing their biggest challenge since the 1979 revolution as widespread protests against the regime continue. The government has responded with a ferocious security crackdown and near-total internet shutdown. The protests began with traders in Tehran protesting a sudden currency collapse and escalated into demands for economic and political change. The government has blamed foreign enemies, including Israel and the US, for the unrest. The situation is complicated by President Trump's repeated warnings of military action and Iran's refusal to capitulate to US demands, including zero nuclear enrichment. Experts warn that the regime's survival is at stake, and the situation may decide the momentum in the region, potentially leading to another bout of military attacks.
Entities: Iran, Lyse Doucet, Tehran, President Trump, USTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump briefed on military and covert options for Iran, sources say

US President Donald Trump has been briefed on various military and covert options for Iran amid ongoing anti-government protests. The protests, which have resulted in over 600 deaths, are driven by economic mismanagement and frustration over the collapse of the Iranian currency. Trump's national security team is set to discuss options for Iran, including long-range missile strikes, cyber operations, and psychological campaigns. Iran's foreign minister has expressed openness to talks with Washington, but remains 'prepared for war'. Trump has announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries with commercial ties to Iran, which could exacerbate the economic crisis.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reza PahlaviTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran acknowledges mass protest deaths, but claims situation under control as Trump mulls response - CBS News

The Iranian government has acknowledged the deaths of protesters during anti-government demonstrations, with reports suggesting hundreds have been killed. The situation remains tense as President Trump considers a potential US military intervention. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claims the situation is under control, while human rights groups report a rising death toll and widespread arrests. Trump has warned of potential action against the Iranian regime if they continue to kill protesters, but has also expressed openness to negotiations.
Entities: Iran, United States, Donald Trump, Abbas Araghchi, Ayatollah Ali KhameneiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urges Trump to "intervene sooner" so regime "finally collapses" - CBS News

Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged President Trump to take action against the Iranian regime, calling for intervention to bring about regime change. In an interview with CBS News, Pahlavi stated that the Iranian regime is trying to trick the world into thinking it's ready to negotiate, but in reality, it's continuing its violent crackdown on protesters. Pahlavi has positioned himself as a potential transitional leader and has claimed that chants of his name during protests demonstrate his legitimacy. The protests in Iran have resulted in over 500 deaths and 10,000 arrests, with Pahlavi arguing that action is needed to minimize the death toll.
Entities: Reza Pahlavi, Iran, President Trump, Norah O'Donnell, CBS NewsTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump briefed on new options for military strikes in Iran, source says - CBS News

The US President Donald Trump has been briefed on new military options for potential strikes in Iran amid ongoing protests against the country's theocratic government. At least 538 people have died and over 10,600 have been arrested in the violence surrounding the demonstrations. Trump has warned that if the Iranian government starts 'killing people like they have in the past, we would get involved' and has expressed support for the protesters. The US has not moved any forces in preparation for potential military strikes but has many capabilities and options, including cyber attacks. Iran's parliament speaker has warned that the US military and Israel would be 'legitimate targets' if the US strikes Iran.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Israel, Mohammad Bagher QalibafTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Videos show rows of body bags in Iran as anti-regime protests enter third week - CBS News

Anti-regime protests in Iran have entered their third week, with videos emerging showing rows of body bags outside a morgue in Tehran. The Iran Human Rights organization reports over 600 deaths, although CBS News cannot verify this number. Protests continue despite an internet blackout, with Iranian forces responding with gunfire. The US is considering military intervention, with President Trump saying he is 'looking at it very seriously.' Iranian officials have vowed to retaliate if attacked. The situation is escalating, with the US National Security team set to meet to discuss options.
Entities: Iran, Tehran, Islamic Republic, CBS News, BBCTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

As protests surge, the Iranian regime’s options are narrowing

The Iranian regime is facing a significant challenge as widespread protests continue to escalate across the country. The protests, which began on December 28th, have grown in scale and spread to all 31 provinces, involving a diverse range of participants including women, middle-aged and middle-class individuals, and young and jobless men. The situation is reminiscent of the 2009 demonstrations and potentially even the 1979 revolution that overthrew the shah. The regime's options for responding to the crisis are narrowing, and its fate hangs in the balance.
Entities: Iran, The Economist, The shah, Donald Trump, Binyamin NetanyahuTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Middle East & Africa | The Economist

The Economist's Middle East & Africa section covers various news stories, including Iran's internet blackout during protests, Israel's stance on Iran's regime, Uganda's elections, and other regional issues. Iran's government has cut off communication to hide its brutal crackdown on protesters, while outsiders consider helping Iranians get back online. Meanwhile, Israel hopes for regime change in Iran but remains concerned about its ballistic missiles and nuclear program. Uganda's President Museveni is nearing the end of his era, and Saudi Arabia is introducing a more relaxed attitude towards alcohol consumption. Other stories cover African demography, online prophecies in Ghana, and the impact of America's actions on Iran.
Entities: Iran, Israel, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, GhanaTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

The options America faces in Iran

The article discusses the options available to the United States in response to the ongoing protests in Iran, with a focus on the stance of former President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for the protesters and threatened intervention if the Iranian regime kills demonstrators. The article examines the potential implications of Trump's promises and the complexities of the situation in Iran, including the regime's response to the protests and the international community's role.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, USA, Islamic Republic, Iranian protestersTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

The War Room newsletter: Is Iran’s regime about to fall?

The article discusses the current state of Iran's regime and whether it is on the verge of collapse. The author, Shashank Joshi, examines the country's steady decay and the options available to the Iranian regime as protests surge. The article also touches on the international implications, including the stance of the United States and Israel towards Iran's regime. The fate of Iran's regime is seen as dependent on who has more staying power: its ruler or its people. The article is part of The War Room newsletter, which provides analysis on defense and security issues.
Entities: Iran, Shashank Joshi, The Economist, The War Room, Donald TrumpTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

3 reasons the current Iran protests are different from previous uprisings | CNN PoliticsClose icon

The article discusses the ongoing protests in Iran, comparing them to previous uprisings and highlighting three key factors that make the current situation different. The protests began in Iran's Grand Bazaar and have spread across the country, driven by economic grievances, corruption, and demands for regime change. The author, Brett H. McGurk, argues that the Islamic Republic is weaker than ever before due to its decision to support Hamas's attacks on Israel, which led to a regional war and significant damage to Iran's military capabilities. Additionally, Iran faces a succession crisis with Supreme Leader Khamenei's advanced age and potential passing, and there is now a credible external threat from the United States, which has warned of military strikes if Iran responds to the protests with violence.
Entities: Iran, Brett H. McGurk, Tehran, Mahsa Amini, United StatesTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Rows of body bags seen at Iranian medical center | CNN

A video has emerged showing rows of body bags at the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Center in Iran, south of Tehran, amid an internet blackout in the country. The footage, reported by CNN's Jomana Karadsheh, reveals harrowing scenes from earlier in the week. The development comes as Iran faces anti-government protests and a deadly crackdown. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran if it targets US military or commercial bases. The article also touches on other news stories, including a lawsuit filed by Minnesota against the Trump administration over immigration operations and comments from Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren on the need for her party to appeal to a broader range of voters.
Entities: Iran, Kahrizak Forensic Medical Center, Tehran, CNN, Jomana KaradshehTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump administration under pressure to restore funding to groups supporting internet freedom in Iran | CNN PoliticsClose icon

The Trump administration is facing pressure to restore funding to groups supporting internet freedom in Iran after cutting it last year. The Iranian government has been accused of cutting off internet access to hide evidence of its killings and repression of protesters. Experts say the US decision to cut funding for internet circumvention tools like VPNs was a mistake and that it should be redirected to support Iranian anti-government activists. Some organizations have lost US funding, while others are using private funding efforts to continue their work. The Trump administration claims it is committed to preserving and protecting the free flow of information in Iran.
Entities: Trump administration, Iran, Internet freedom, Donald Trump, Elon MuskTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran crackdown on protests continues with drone surveillance across country | Fox News

The Iranian government's crackdown on nationwide protests continues with the deployment of drones for surveillance, leading to a significant increase in the death toll. The protests, which began on December 28, have evolved into the largest anti-regime demonstrations in years, with reports of mass killings, arrests, and injuries. The Iranian government has imposed a near-total internet blackout, making it difficult to verify the full scale of the violence. The death toll is estimated to be at least 2,000 people, with 544 confirmed deaths and over 10,681 individuals arrested. The use of drones has given the government a distinctive upper hand in combating the protests, with experts warning of more danger imminent.
Entities: Iran, Cameron Chell, Center for Human Rights in Iran, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), NetBlocksTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran set to execute first protester amid crackdown on anti-regime demonstrations | Fox News

Iran is set to execute its first protester, Erfan Soltani, in connection with the ongoing anti-regime demonstrations. Human rights groups have condemned the move, citing concerns over the risk of mass executions. The protests, sparked by Iran's failing economy, have resulted in over 10,000 arrests and 500 deaths. US President Donald Trump has warned Tehran that violence against protesters will be met with a US military response, although some congressional lawmakers have criticized his threats.
Entities: Iran, Erfan Soltani, Donald Trump, Karaj, TehranTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns US in Russian post | Fox News

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a warning to the US through a Russian-language post on social media, amid escalating nationwide protests and rising tensions between the two countries. Khamenei's warning was seen as a reflection of Iran's alignment with Russia, with analysts suggesting that Tehran is seeking to maintain its strategic partnership with Moscow. The protests in Iran have resulted in at least 544 deaths, with opposition groups claiming the toll is higher. The US has criticized Iran's response to the protests, with President Donald Trump warning of 'very strong options' against Tehran.
Entities: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran, United States, Russia, Donald TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Netanyahu and Rubio discuss potential U.S. military intervention in Iran | Fox News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of US military intervention in Iran amid ongoing anti-regime protests. The protests, now in their 12th day, have seen widespread demonstrations across Iran, with the regime responding with force. The US has warned that it will respond forcefully if the regime resorts to mass violence. Iranian leaders have threatened that the US and Israel would be 'legitimate targets' if the US strikes the Islamic Republic.
Entities: Benjamin Netanyahu, Marco Rubio, Iran, Israel, United StatesTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

'He was shot in the heart... many of his friends are dead': Family's shock over teen's death in Iran | World News | Sky News

The article reports on the death of a 17-year-old Iranian boy, Amir Ali Haydari, who was shot and beaten to death during a protest in Kermanshah, Iran. The boy's cousin, Diako Haydari, who lives in Cardiff, shared the details of Amir Ali's last moments with Sky News. The article describes the violent crackdown on protests in Iran, with human rights officials estimating around 650 fatalities. The regime has blocked the internet and phone calls, and state television only reports on pro-government rallies. The article highlights the shock and grief of Amir Ali's family and the brutality of the Iranian authorities.
Entities: Amir Ali Haydari, Diako Haydari, Iran, Kermanshah, TehranTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

The man Donald Trump keeps trying (and failing) to fire | US News | Sky News

The article discusses the Trump administration's attempts to oust Jerome Powell, the chair of the US central banking system, and the potential for military intervention in Iran amidst anti-government protests. It also touches on tensions in Minneapolis following the death of Renee Nicole Good. The article highlights the Trump administration's aggressive stance on various issues, including its conflict with Powell and its consideration of military action in Iran.
Entities: Donald Trump, Jerome Powell, United States, Iran, MinneapolisTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Truck drives into crowd at Iran protest in LA | World News | Sky News

A truck drove into a crowd of Iranian protesters in Los Angeles on Sunday, injuring one person and resulting in the arrest of the male driver. The incident occurred during a demonstration in LA's Westwood neighborhood in solidarity with ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. The protests in Iran have been sparked by a widening economic crisis and have resulted in over 500 deaths and 10,000 arrests. The US President Donald Trump has stated that he is considering strong options in response to the unrest in Iran.
Entities: Iran, Los Angeles, Westwood, Donald Trump, Mohammad MossadeghTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump announces new tariff on countries trading with Iran as number killed in protests rises | World News | Sky News

US President Donald Trump has announced a new 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran, amid rising protests and deaths in the country. The move is seen as a response to the Iranian government's crackdown on protesters, with at least 646 people killed and over 10,600 detained. Iran has blamed the US for the violence, while the US has threatened military action to protect demonstrators. The protests began over economic issues but have grown into a challenge to the Iranian government's authority.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Truth Social, ChinaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

People in Iran first calls to outside world : NPR

The article reports on the resumption of international mobile phone calls from Iran after a crackdown on nationwide protests resulted in at least 646 deaths. Witnesses described a heavy security presence in Tehran, with anti-riot police and the Revolutionary Guard's Basij force visible on the streets. The protests, which began on December 28, challenged the rule of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media reported pro-government demonstrations with tens of thousands chanting 'Death to America!' and 'Death to Israel!' US President Donald Trump threatened 'strong' military action and imposed 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran.
Entities: Iran, Tehran, United States, Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali KhameneiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform