15-01-2026

Iran Protests: Brutal Crackdown and International Response

Date: 15-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 3 | cbsnews.com: 6 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 5 | france24.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 2 | nypost.com: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1 | washingtonpost.com: 2
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Source: washingtonpost.com

Image content: The image depicts a nighttime scene where two men are raising a large flag of Iran alongside the flag of Israel on a pole. The Iranian flag features a poster of a man with a flag, and there is a "FREE IRAN" sign visible on the pole. The scene is set against a backdrop of a dark

Summary

Thousands have protested in Iran against the government's authoritarian rule and economic hardship, prompting a violent crackdown by security forces, resulting in over 2,400 deaths and widespread international condemnation.

Key Points

  • Iranian protesters demand end to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule
  • Security forces have killed at least 2,400 protesters, including children
  • International community condemns crackdown, with G7 threatening sanctions
  • US President Trump weighs military action, but claims killings have stopped
  • Iranian government imposes internet blackout and arrests thousands

Articles in this Cluster

Iran protests: BBC hears from families of demonstrators killed in crackdown

The article reports on the protests in Iran, where thousands have taken to the streets to demand an end to the rule of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The authorities have responded with a deadly crackdown, killing at least 2,400 protesters, including 12 children, according to the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The article shares personal stories of families who have lost loved ones, including Reza, who carried his wife Maryam's body for an hour and a half after she was fatally shot. The protests have spread across all 31 provinces, with reports of security forces shooting at protesters, particularly targeting their heads and faces. The article highlights the severity of the crackdown, with many bodies being taken to the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Centre in Tehran.
Entities: Iran, Tehran, Reza, Maryam, Ayatollah Ali KhameneiTone: emotionalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Tehran morgue videos show the brutality of Iran's crackdown on protesters

The article reports on the emergence of distressing videos from a Tehran mortuary showing the aftermath of Iran's government crackdown on protesters. The videos, analyzed by BBC Verify and BBC Persian, reveal nearly 200 bodies with visible wounds, including a 16-year-old victim. The protests, which began on December 28, have spread to over 68 towns and cities, with the true figure likely being much higher due to a near-total internet blackout. The death toll is estimated to be over 2,500 by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), while an Iranian official claimed 2,000 people were killed, blaming 'terrorists'. The videos show crowds of people searching for loved ones, with many bodies having visible wounds and being kept in a mortuary complex. The article highlights the brutality of the government's response to the protests.
Entities: Tehran, Iran, BBC Verify, BBC Persian, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)Tone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump says Iran has 'no plan' to execute protesters

US President Donald Trump stated that he has been informed that 'the killing in Iran has stopped' following a violent crackdown on anti-government protesters, but did not rule out military action. The protests, which began over the collapse of the Iranian currency, have expanded into a wider crisis of legitimacy for Iran's clerical leadership, with human rights groups reporting over 2,400 deaths. Trump had previously threatened 'very strong action' if the Iranian government executed protesters. The situation remains tense, with several countries advising their citizens to leave Iran or avoid its airspace.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Erfan Soltani, Tehran, Al-Udeid air baseTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

A 23-year-old fashion student was killed in Iran's protests. Her mother searched through hundreds of bodies to bring her home. - CBS News

A 23-year-old Iranian fashion student, Rubina Aminian, was killed during protests in Tehran, Iran. Her aunt, Hilala Noori, described the events surrounding her death and the aftermath, including her mother's search for her body in a morgue filled with hundreds of other bodies. Noori holds Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and the Islamic Republic responsible for Aminian's death and hopes that President Trump will take action against the current Iranian leaders. The protests in Iran have resulted in a significant number of deaths, with estimates ranging from 12,000 to 20,000.
Entities: Rubina Aminian, Hilala Noori, Iran, Tehran, KermanshahTone: emotionalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran shopkeeper has execution postponed, human rights group says - CBS News

The execution of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian shopkeeper accused of participating in recent protests, has been postponed according to a human rights group. Soltani was initially set to be executed on Wednesday, but Hengaw, an organization monitoring unrest in Iran, reported that his execution has been delayed. The Iranian government has been cracking down on protesters, with reports suggesting that up to 12,000 people may have been killed and over 2,600 detained. President Trump has warned the Iranian regime that if it proceeds with executing protesters, the US will take 'strong action'.
Entities: Erfan Soltani, Iran, Hengaw, President Trump, TehranTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran's regime focuses on post-protest vengeance and insists unrest is over - CBS News

The Iranian regime is cracking down on individuals who supported recent protests, threatening them with severe punishments, including death sentences. Thousands were arrested and businesses connected to protesters were targeted. Mohammad Saedinia, a prominent businessman, was arrested and his businesses shut down for allegedly supporting the protests. The regime is seeking to intimidate people into silence and is demanding the seizure of property belonging to those linked to the demonstrations. The protests, which began as a response to economic hardship, quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations against the Islamic Republic's leadership. The regime claims the protests were an attempt by the US and Israel to topple the government and insists that the situation is now calm.
Entities: Iran, Mohammad Saedinia, Tehran, Qom, Mohammad Movahedi AzadTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions" - CBS News

President Trump stated that he has been informed on 'good authority' that the 'killing in Iran is stopping' and that there are 'no plans for executions' amid anti-government protests that have resulted in thousands of deaths. Trump had previously warned of 'very strong actions' against the Iranian regime if it were to hang accused protesters. The situation remains tense, with the Trump administration indicating that the president has various options at his disposal, including conventional military strikes and cyber warfare.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Tony Dokoupil, CBS News, CBS Evening NewsTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump told Iranian protesters "help is on its way," so what options does the U.S. have to respond? - CBS News

The article discusses the potential U.S. response to the Iranian government's crackdown on anti-government protesters, with President Trump warning of 'very strong action' against Iran. The U.S. has various options at its disposal, including conventional military strikes, cyberwarfare, and psychological operations. Experts weigh in on the possible targets and implications of such actions, including targeting Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The article also notes the U.S. government's efforts to prepare for potential retaliation by Tehran, including issuing a security alert to U.S. citizens in Iran and reducing personnel at a major U.S. military base in the region.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)Tone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

U.S. reduces some personnel at airbase in Qatar amid U.S. threats to target Iran - CBS News

The U.S. is withdrawing a small number of personnel from Al Udeid airbase in Qatar as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions with Iran. The move comes after President Trump threatened to take 'very strong action' against Iran for its brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters. The Al Udeid airbase is a major U.S. military hub in the Middle East, hosting around 8,000 to 10,000 U.S. troops. The reduction in personnel is seen as a response to Iran's threat to retaliate against any U.S. military action. The U.S. has been weighing various military and covert options to target Iran, including cyber and psychological operations. The situation is tense, with the U.S. and Iran having clashed previously in June when the U.S. bombed Iran's nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with ballistic missiles targeting Al Udeid.
Entities: United States, Iran, Qatar, Al Udeid airbase, President TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live updates: Iran protests death toll, Iranian threats to US, Erfan Soltani execution postponed | CNNClose icon

The article provides live updates on the Iran protests, where at least 2,400 protesters have been killed and 18,470 people arrested since the crackdown on dissent began. US President Donald Trump claims that Iran has stopped executing detained protesters, but is still weighing military action. The Iranian judiciary disputes claims that protester Erfan Soltani was sentenced to death, saying he has not been sentenced. The situation remains tense, with multiple nations urging their citizens to leave Iran and some airlines rerouting flights to avoid Iranian airspace. Elon Musk's Starlink is attempting to bypass the internet shutdown in Iran.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Erfan Soltani, US, QatarTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

France ambassador discusses Iran sanctions, NATO defense spending | Fox News

The French ambassador to the United Nations, Jerome Bonnafont, has condemned Iran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests and discussed France's response, including sanctions and possible satellite communications support to help Iranians circumvent the internet blackout. Bonnafont also addressed NATO defense spending, stating that Europe is moving towards taking more responsibility for its own defense. He cited Europe's unified support for Ukraine as evidence of this shift.
Entities: Jerome Bonnafont, France, Iran, United Nations, G7Tone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

G7 warns Iran on additional sanctions over ongoing protest crackdown | Fox News

The Group of Seven (G7) nations have warned Iran that they are prepared to impose additional sanctions on the country if the regime continues its violent crackdown on protests. The protests, which began on December 28, have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, with reports suggesting that over 2,500 people have been killed. The G7 foreign ministers expressed 'grave concern' over the reports of mass casualties, widespread injuries, and alleged human rights abuses. They condemned the 'deliberate use of violence and the killing of protesters, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators.' The ministers urged Iranian authorities to show restraint and end the use of force against civilians, calling on Tehran to respect its international obligations and protect the rights to 'freedom of expression, to seek, receive and impart information, and the freedom of association and peaceful assembly, without fear of reprisal.' While the joint statement did not list specific new sanctions, it made clear that additional action remains on the table, signaling unity among leading Western powers.
Entities: G7, Iran, Canada, France, GermanyTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran closes airspace with NOTAM amid rising tensions in region | Fox News

Iran has closed its airspace amid rising tensions in the region following nationwide protests against the government. The US has issued security alerts advising against travel to certain areas in the Middle East. President Trump stated that the killing of protesters in Iran has stopped, but the situation remains volatile. The international community is calling for the Iranian government to be held accountable for its actions.
Entities: Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, Israel, United StatesTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran internet outage enables alleged forced confession broadcasts amid protests | Fox News

The Iranian regime has allegedly broadcast at least 97 'coercive confessions' from detained protesters on state television amid ongoing nationwide protests. Human rights groups claim the confessions were obtained under duress and threat of torture and execution. The broadcasts coincide with a sweeping internet shutdown that has effectively cut the public off from independent information. The Iranian government has shut down the internet for over 144 consecutive hours, making it one of the longest disruptions ever recorded. The protests were sparked by public anger over political repression, economic collapse, and alleged abuses by security forces.
Entities: Iran, National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), NetBlocks, The Associated PressTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran pushes for fast trials, executions during protests, despite Trump warning | Fox News

Iran's chief justice has called for fast trials and executions of suspects detained during ongoing anti-government protests, despite warnings from US President Donald Trump. The protests have resulted in a significant death toll, with reports suggesting at least 2,571 people have been killed. Trump has vowed to take strong action against those responsible for the violence and has encouraged Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations.
Entities: Iran, Donald Trump, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, United States, Human Rights Activists News AgencyTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump says Iran executions ‘stopping’ as Tehran signals fast trials and hangings - France 24

US President Donald Trump claimed that executions in Iran may have stopped, citing unnamed sources, amid ongoing protests and crackdowns by the Iranian government. However, Iranian officials signaled that detained protesters would face fast trials and executions. The Iranian government has killed at least 2,586 people, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Trump has been consulting his national security team about potential responses, ranging from diplomatic approaches to military strikes.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Israel, Mohammad PakpourTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

'Everyone was being shot in the head': Iranian woman who fled Tehran describes killings and crackdown | World News | Sky News

A young Iranian woman, referred to as Leila, has shared her eyewitness account of the violent crackdown on protests in Tehran with Sky News. Leila describes the protests as turning into a 'warzone' with the Revolutionary Guard shooting protesters in the head. She witnessed people being sprayed with tear gas, and saw a friend's cousin being shot multiple times. Leila believes the authorities are killing people to suppress the unrest and that the international community needs to intervene. She fled to Dubai after her original flight was cancelled due to the escalating unrest and was questioned by security services at the airport before being allowed to leave.
Entities: Iran, Tehran, Dubai, Revolutionary Guard, LeilaTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran's regime could fall, says Trump - as US president considers intervention | World News | Sky News

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran's regime could fall following weeks of unrest across the country. The Pentagon has prepared military options for Trump to consider, but he has also expressed a willingness to wait and see how the situation develops. The US has begun withdrawing some military personnel from its Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, and the UK has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn its staff. The Iranian government has been cracking down on protesters, resulting in over 2,600 deaths, and has blocked internet access and international calls. The G7 group of nations has issued a joint statement expressing concern and threatening to impose additional sanctions if Iran continues to violate human rights.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Pentagon, Qatar, Al Udeid Air BaseTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump questions Reza Pahlavi's ability to garner support in Iran | New York Post

US President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi's ability to garner support within Iran to take over the government, despite saying Pahlavi 'seems very nice'. Trump also discussed the possibility of Iran's clerical government collapsing due to ongoing protests and touched on other topics such as the war in Ukraine and the upcoming congressional midterm elections.
Entities: Donald Trump, Reza Pahlavi, Iran, United States, Volodymyr ZelenskiyTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran minister says 'there is no plan for hanging' when asked about protests | The Straits Times

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied that there are plans to hang protesters in response to anti-government demonstrations. The protests, which began over economic hardships, have evolved into calls for the downfall of the clerical establishment. US President Donald Trump stated that he would take 'very strong action' if Iran started hanging protesters. The protests have resulted in significant casualties and arrests, with the US-based HRANA rights group reporting 2,403 deaths among protesters and 147 government-affiliated individuals. Iran's government attributes the economic difficulties to foreign sanctions and alleges foreign interference.
Entities: Abbas Araqchi, Iran, Donald Trump, United States, IsraelTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iranians abroad wait for news from loved ones amid communications blackout - The Washington Post

An ongoing communications blackout in Iran has left Iranians abroad worried about their loved ones as the death toll from a government crackdown on anti-government protests rises to over 2,600. The blackout has made it difficult for people outside Iran to contact their family and friends inside the country. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported the death toll, which has been rising amid the protests.
Entities: Iran, Iranians, Human Rights Activists News Agency, Israel, RussiaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

See photos emerging from Iran’s protests amid a nationwide blackout - Washington Post

The article reports on the ongoing protests in Iran, which have been met with a government-imposed nationwide communications blackout and a crackdown on protesters. The protests, which began on December 28, have been sparked by the country's ailing economy and have grown to become some of the largest demonstrations since the 1979 revolution, with many calling for the end of the Islamic republic. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, security forces have killed as many as 2,000 people since the unrest began. The Washington Post has not independently verified this figure. The article highlights the tense situation in Iran and the government's efforts to suppress the protests.
Entities: Iran, Tobi Raji, Washington Post, Human Rights Activists News Agency, Islamic republicTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform