Iran is experiencing its most significant wave of protests since 2022, triggered by a sharp collapse in the value of the Iranian rial and soaring inflation, with clashes turning deadly in several provinces as of January 1, 2026. Multiple fatalities have been reported amid confrontations between demonstrators and security forces, highlighting deepening public frustration over economic hardships exacerbated by Western sanctions and regional conflicts.
The protests began on December 28-29, 2025, when shopkeepers and traders in Tehran's Grand Bazaar and central mobile markets shuttered their stores in response to the rial plummeting to a record low of around 1.42-1.45 million to the US dollar. Inflation reached approximately 42-50% in late 2025, severely eroding purchasing power and prompting strikes that quickly spread beyond economic grievances to include anti-government chants.
What started as merchant-led demonstrations in Tehran expanded rapidly, involving university students and residents in cities such as Isfahan, Yazd, Zanjan, Kuhdasht, Fasa, Marvdasht, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Hamedan. Protesters have voiced slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with some calling for regime change, marking a shift from purely economic demands.
Violence escalated overnight into January 1, 2026, with reports of several deaths. In the western city of Lordegan (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province), clashes resulted in at least two fatalities, according to the semi-official Fars news agency, which described confrontations with "armed protesters." The Norway-based Kurdish rights group Hengaw reported that security forces opened fire on demonstrators, killing and wounding several, and named two victims as protesters.
In Kuhdasht (Lorestan province), authorities confirmed the death of a 21-year-old Basij volunteer paramilitary member, Amirhossam Khodayari Fard, with 13 others injured. State media blamed "rioters," while Hengaw claimed he was a protester killed by security forces. Hengaw also reported a fatal shooting of a protester in central Isfahan province. Additional unverified reports mentioned clashes involving attacks on police stations and further casualties.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) accused opportunists of exploiting the protests, while activist networks like HRANA documented demonstrations in southern Fars province. Arrests were reported in western provinces, though some detained students were released.
In an unusual move, the government adopted a conciliatory tone early in the unrest. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged "legitimate demands" and tasked officials with dialogue, while spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced plans for direct talks with trade unions and merchants, without specifics. The central bank chief resigned amid the crisis, replaced by a former official.
These protests follow a brief period of national unity after summer 2025 airstrikes by Israel and the US on Iran's nuclear sites and leadership, but frustrations resurfaced amid stalled sanctions relief negotiations and economic fallout. Lordegan has a history of unrest, including 2019 protests over contaminated medical supplies.
Security forces deployed heavily, using tear gas in Tehran and elsewhere, while the government declared holidays citing cold weather—interpreted by analysts as an attempt to curb gatherings. Internet access remained largely open, contrasting with past crackdowns.
The situation remains volatile, with potential for further escalation as economic pressures mount. Iran's leadership faces limited options to stabilize the currency and inflation without major policy shifts or sanctions relief. Observers note the protests' rapid politicization could challenge the regime's stability, echoing previous uprisings suppressed through force.
As of January 2, 2026, the unrest continues to test the government's response strategy amid calls for systemic reform.
