17-01-2026

Iran Protests: Calls for Regime Change Intensify

Date: 17-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 2 | cbsnews.com: 1 | cnbc.com: 1 | economist.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 5
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Image Source:

Source: foxnews.com

Image content: The image depicts a woman holding a photograph of an older man with a long white beard and black turban, which is partially on fire. The woman has dark hair and is dressed in dark clothing, standing amidst a crowd of people. In the background, several individuals are visible, including another woman wearing a green, white, and red flag draped over her shoulders, indicating that the scene is likely related to Iran. Here is a concise 2-3 sentence description of what is visible in the image: A woman holds a burning photograph of a bearded man in a black turban, surrounded by a crowd of people. The woman appears to be protesting or demonstrating, as evidenced by her actions and the presence of others around her. Another woman stands nearby, wearing a green, white, and red flag, suggesting a connection to Iran.

Summary

Ongoing protests in Iran have resulted in thousands of deaths and arrests, with calls for the government's overthrow growing louder. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has urged the international community to support the opposition, while the US and other countries navigate a complex response to the crisis.

Key Points

  • Protests in Iran began over economic issues but escalated into calls for the end of Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei's rule
  • Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has called on the international community to help topple Iran's government
  • The death toll has exceeded 3,000, with human rights groups documenting widespread abuses
  • The US has sent a carrier strike group to the region amid rising tensions
  • Iranian opposition groups are ready to take action but seek international support

Articles in this Cluster

Exiled crown prince urges world to help protesters topple Iran's government

Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has called on the international community to help protesters topple Iran's government, stating that 'the Islamic Republic will fall - not if, but when.' Pahlavi, a US-based opposition leader, urged the world to target Iran's Revolutionary Guard leadership and impose economic pressure on the regime. The protests, which began on December 28 over economic issues, have turned into calls for the end of Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei's rule, resulting in over 2,600 deaths and 19,000 arrests. Pahlavi has emerged as a prominent figure in Iran's fragmented opposition and has previously urged Iranians to escalate their protests. He has also laid out a plan for creating a new constitution in Iran and has vowed to return to the country.
Entities: Reza Pahlavi, Iran, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, US, Revolutionary GuardTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

'I was hit in the face by pellets': Iranians on border describe violence and more protestsand violence during blackout

The article reports on the ongoing protests in Iran and the government's crackdown on protesters. Iranians crossing the border into Iraqi Kurdistan shared their experiences of violence and protests, with one man describing being hit in the face by seven pellet rounds during a protest. The government has imposed an internet blackout, and rights groups estimate that at least 2,500 people have been killed. Despite the crackdown, some protesters continue to demonstrate, and the economic problems that sparked the crisis remain unresolved. The article also touches on the role of the US and its president, Donald Trump, in the situation.
Entities: Iran, Iraqi Kurdistan, Ayatollah Khomeini, Donald Trump, IsraelTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Kurdish Iranian opposition in Iraq ready to take on regime, but says not yet, as Trump steps back from threats - CBS News

The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), an armed opposition group based in Iraq, is ready to take on the Iranian regime but believes the time is not yet right. The group's leader, Mustafa Hijri, told CBS News that the recent protests in Iran have given them hope that the regime can be toppled, but international help is needed. President Trump's apparent step back from threats of US military intervention has dashed the group's hopes for immediate action. Hijri stated that sending PDKI forces into Iran without international support could backfire and provide the regime with an excuse to kill more protesters. The PDKI wants Kurds and other ethnic minorities to be allowed to live under democratic law and have their rights recognized.
Entities: Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), Iran, Iraq, Mustafa Hijri, President TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Death toll in Iran protests over 3,000, rights group says

The death toll in Iran's nationwide protests has exceeded 3,000, according to human rights activists. The protests, which began on December 28 over economic hardship, escalated into widespread demonstrations calling for the end of clerical rule in the Islamic Republic. The Iranian authorities' crackdown has broadly quelled the protests for now, with the capital Tehran being comparatively quiet for four days. The US-based HRANA group verified 3,090 deaths, including 2,885 protesters. Internet activity in the country has seen a 'very slight rise' after an eight-day blackout. US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran's leaders had cancelled mass hangings of protesters, but this was not confirmed by Iran.
Entities: Iran, Donald Trump, Tehran, HRANA, NetBlocksTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

What the collapse of Iran’s regime would mean

The article discusses the potential collapse of Iran's regime amidst ongoing protests and violence. The protests, sparked by widespread discontent, have been met with brutal force by the government, resulting in thousands of deaths and arrests. The article examines the implications of the regime's collapse, considering the potential consequences for Iran, the region, and the world. It highlights the complexities of the situation, including the role of the Revolutionary Guards and the impact of external factors such as American policy.
Entities: Ali Khamenei, Iran, Revolutionary Guards, America, Donald TrumpTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Fareed Zakaria weighs in on the monumental decision facing the Trump administration in Iran | CNNClose iconClose iconClose icon

The Trump administration is considering its next move in the Middle East, where it has sent a carrier strike group. Iran has responded with threats, and the situation remains tense. The US and Iran are engaged in a standoff, with both sides trading barbs and warnings.
Entities: Iran, US, Trump, Middle East, CNNTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Exiled Iranian crown prince reveals 6-step plan to pressure Tehran's regime | Fox News

Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has unveiled a 6-step plan to pressure the Iranian regime, calling on the international community to take action to support the Iranian people's demands for change. Pahlavi's plan includes degrading the regime's repressive capacity, imposing economic pressure, enabling unrestricted internet access, holding the regime accountable for crimes against humanity, releasing political prisoners, and preparing for a democratic transition. The plan comes as protests continue in Iran, with the regime cracking down on dissent. US President Donald Trump has expressed ambivalence about Pahlavi potentially taking over the country if the Islamic regime were to fall, stating that it's up to the Iranian people to decide.
Entities: Reza Pahlavi, Iran, Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, Islamic Revolutionary GuardTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Experts say Iran minorities crucial in uprising against government | Fox News

Iran is on the brink of collapse as protests continue to spread across the country. The government has responded with force, leading to widespread human rights abuses. The international community is calling for restraint, but the situation remains tense.
Entities: Iran, Islamic RepublicTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

Georgians protest in solidarity with Iranians fighting the regime | Fox News

Protesters in Georgia have been demonstrating in solidarity with Iranians fighting against their regime, drawing parallels between their own struggle against a corrupt government and the Iranian people's fight for democracy. The Georgian protests, which began in 2024 following disputed parliamentary elections, have been marked by allegations of violence by authorities and a desire to join the European Union. Georgian citizens see the Iranian protests as a source of inspiration and a reminder that resistance against authoritarian regimes is possible.
Entities: Georgia, Iran, Tinatin Khidasheli, Irakli Kobakhidze, Erekle KoplatadzeTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Iran official threatens President Trump over potential military action | Fox News

A senior Iranian official, General Mohsen Rezaei, has threatened President Donald Trump with violence if the US takes military action against Iran. Rezaei warned that Iran would retaliate against American forces across the Middle East and abandon any ceasefire if attacked. The threat comes as the US has repositioned at least one aircraft carrier towards the Middle East amid rising tensions with Tehran. Meanwhile, unrest continues in Iran, with reports of widespread arrests, communication blackouts, and clashes between security forces and protesters.
Entities: Iran, United States, Donald Trump, Mohsen Rezaei, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)Tone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iranian cleric calls for death penalty for detained protesters in Iran | Fox News

The article discusses the ongoing protests in Iran and the government's response to the crisis. The situation is dire, with reports of human rights abuses and the use of force against protesters. The international community is calling for restraint and an end to the violence. The situation remains tense, with many fearing for their safety.
Entities: Iran, United States, social mediaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique