Dec 28, 2025 – Protests begin in Tehran after a sharp devaluation of the rial; shopkeepers launch a strike, students join, and the unrest quickly spreads to other cities, marking the first large‑scale anti‑government demonstration in years [3][4][7][10].

Dec 30, 2025 – Authorities report at least 12 deaths as the protests expand to 25 provinces and 45 cities, underscoring the rapid escalation of violence [9].

Jan 2, 2026 – The Institute for the Study of War records 17 medium‑size rallies of over 100 participants across Iran, indicating that organized protest momentum continues to grow [7].

Jan 3, 2026 – Demonstrations spread to at least 20 areas, with students and merchants joining; clashes leave at least six dead and the government replaces the central bank governor in an attempt to quell economic anger [10].

Jan 4, 2026 – The government announces an emergency monthly cash allowance of roughly $7 per citizen, a measure aimed at easing inflation‑driven hardship but viewed as insufficient by many protesters [6][9].

Jan 5, 2026 – Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei orders prosecutors “to show no leniency” toward rioters, emphasizing that the public retains a legal right to demonstrate [9].

Jan 5, 2026 – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declares “rioters must be put in their place,” prompting security forces to intensify crackdowns on demonstrators [3][7].

Jan 5, 2026 – Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urges Iranians to “continue united protests,” calling the movement a “courageous expression of desire for freedom” and appealing for international support [2].

Jan 5, 2026 – Former US President Donald Trump warns “Iran will be hit very hard” if the regime kills protesters, raising the prospect of U.S. retaliation [5][6][8][9].

Jan 6, 2026 – BBC Verify confirms anti‑government protests in at least 17 provinces, while ISW adds reports from 11 additional provinces, showing the unrest is truly nationwide [3].

Jan 6, 2026 – A Newsweek map based on ISW data charts 369 protests in 28 provinces, including 17 medium‑size events since Jan 2, highlighting the geographic breadth of the movement [7].

Jan 6, 2026 – Iranian leadership shifts rhetoric: Khamenei permits “peaceful protest” but distinguishes it from “rioting,” and Judiciary Chief Mohseni‑Eje’i posts “no mercy to the rioters” on X, signaling a tougher stance [7].

Jan 6, 2026 – President orders an investigation into the shooting near Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam after video evidence shows security forces firing on civilians, reflecting internal pressure to address alleged abuses [3].

Jan 7, 2026 – Wednesday becomes the largest single day of anti‑regime protests, with demonstrations in 285 locations across 92 cities; HRANA reports at least 36 killed, including two security personnel, and more than 2,000 arrests are recorded [6].

Jan 7, 2026 – Security forces fire tear gas to disperse a sit‑in at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar; the rial hits a record low of about 1.46 million per US $1 after the central bank ends subsidized dollar rates, deepening economic distress [8].

Jan 8‑9, 2026 – Protests enter the 13th day, spreading to over 100 cities; the IRGC warns that “preserving the government is a red line” and reserves the right to retaliation, while Trump repeats his warning of U.S. response [5].

Jan 9, 2026 – Tehran and Mashhad host large nighttime protests amid a nationwide internet blackout; BBC Persian confirms 22 civilian deaths, while state media reports six security‑personnel fatalities, illustrating competing casualty narratives [2].

Jan 9, 2026 – In Isfahan, security forces use live fire and birdshot on crowds, breach the IRIB building and set it ablaze; Khamenei vows “no back down,” and Revolutionary Guards send mass‑text warnings labeling protesters “terrorist mercenaries” and calling their actions treasonous [1].

Jan 9, 2026 – Organizers announce plans for further demonstrations on Thursday, indicating that the unrest is expected to continue beyond the 13th day [6].