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Iranian Protests Reach 92 Cities, 36 Dead and Over 2,000 Detained

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Protests Expand Nationwide Since Late December The unrest erupted on December 28, 2025, sparked by a plunging rial and soaring inflation [1][2]. Within ten days demonstrations spread to at least 285 locations across 92 cities in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces [1][2]. The scale marks the broadest coordinated challenge to the regime since the 2022 protests [1].

Death Toll and Mass Arrests Confirmed by Rights Agency The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) recorded 36 deaths — 34 protesters and 2 security personnel [1][2]. More than 60 injured protesters and 2,076 people detained were also documented [1][2]. Iranian officials reported only three security‑force fatalities, creating a clear discrepancy with independent counts [2].

Security Forces Escalate Violence After Initial Dialogue Calls Authorities first urged dialogue but soon deployed pellet guns, tear‑gas canisters and live fire in at least four towns [1]. In Ilam province security units stormed Imam Khomeini Hospital, using shotguns and tear‑gas against wounded demonstrators and medical staff [2]. HRANA and rights groups described these actions as severe human‑rights violations [2].

Economic Collapse Fuels Unrest Amid International Warnings Merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar protested currency volatility, gold‑price spikes and market stagnation, while parliament passed a revised budget to raise public‑sector salaries [1]. U.S. President Donald Trump warned the United States was “locked and loaded” to intervene if killings continued, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to “put rioters in their place” [2]. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres expressed deep sadness and called for an end to the bloodshed [2].

Sources

Timeline

Late Dec 2025 – A sharp fall in the rial and soaring inflation trigger widespread economic distress, setting the stage for mass unrest across Iran [1][2].

Dec 28, 2025 – Anti‑government protests erupt in Tehran and quickly spread to 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces, initially driven by labor strikes and collapsing purchasing power [2].

Early Jan 2026 – Demonstrators in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar chant “Death to the dictator” and are hit with tear‑gas canisters as security forces move in, illustrating the intensity of the crackdown in a central commercial hub [1].

Early Jan 2026 – In Ilam province, a policeman is shot dead in Malekshahi and security forces storm Imam Khomeini Hospital, using shotguns, tear‑gas and beating wounded protesters and medical staff, actions Amnesty International labels severe human‑rights violations [1].

Early Jan 2026 – Iranian authorities shift from calls for dialogue to a violent response, deploying pellet guns, tear‑gas and firing on protesters in at least four towns, marking a hardening of state tactics [2].

Early Jan 2026 – The Iranian Parliament passes a revised budget bill to raise public‑sector salaries in an attempt to quell economic grievances fueling the protests [2].

Early Jan 2026 – U.S. President Donald Trump warns that the United States is “locked and loaded and ready to go” if Iranian security forces kill peaceful protesters [1].

Early Jan 2026 – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows that rioters “should be put in their place,” underscoring the regime’s resolve to suppress dissent [1].

Early Jan 2026 – UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres says he is “deeply saddened” by the reported losses and urges the Iranian government to prevent further casualties [1].

Jan 6, 2026 – HRANA reports at least 36 deaths (34 protesters, 2 security personnel), more than 60 injuries and 2,076 arrests over ten days of unrest, with protests documented in 27 provinces [1].

Jan 7, 2026 – A Newsweek map shows demonstrations in 92 cities and 285 locations across 27 provinces, describing the unrest as the most extensive challenge to the regime since 2022 [2].

Jan 7, 2026 – HRANA confirms 36 dead and at least 2,076 detained, while Iranian officials claim only three security personnel were killed, highlighting divergent casualty figures [2][1].

Jan 7, 2026 – Iran’s Defense Council announces it will take “unspecified preemptive measures” to counter any U.S. or Israeli attempts to exploit the protests [2].

Jan 7, 2026 – Social‑media footage and Iran International broadcasts images of protesters holding signs invoking international figures and pleading for protection, amplifying global awareness of the movement [2].

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