Tehran, Iran – January 2, 2026
Protests across Iran, sparked by a severe economic downturn including a collapsing national currency and soaring inflation, have continued into their sixth day, spreading to multiple cities and evolving into broader calls for political change. What began as strikes by shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar on December 28, 2025, has grown into one of the largest waves of unrest since the 2022 demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
The Iranian rial has lost nearly half its value against the U.S. dollar in 2025, reaching record lows around 1.4-1.45 million rials per dollar in late December, exacerbating inflation rates reported at 42.5% to over 50%. This currency plunge, compounded by renewed international sanctions, lingering effects from regional conflicts, and domestic issues like energy shortages, has driven up the cost of essential goods, severely impacting livelihoods.
Demonstrations have spread beyond Tehran to cities including Isfahan, Yazd, Zanjan, Fasa, Hamadan, Qom, Lordegan, Azna, and others. Footage verified by news outlets shows crowds marching, closing shops in strikes, and in some cases clashing with security forces. Protesters have attacked or attempted to storm government buildings in locations such as Fasa and Lordegan.
Reports indicate escalating violence, with at least several deaths confirmed during clashes. Semi-official Iranian media and human rights groups reported fatalities in provinces like Lorestan, including protesters and one member of security forces. Security forces have deployed tear gas, and allegations of live ammunition use have surfaced, though official accounts emphasize responses to alleged attacks on personnel.
Amid the unrest, chants have shifted from primarily economic grievances to political demands, including slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and calls for an end to clerical rule. Notably, pro-monarchy sentiments have emerged prominently, with demonstrators in multiple cities chanting phrases honoring Reza Shah Pahlavi, the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty overthrown in 1979, such as "Reza Shah, may your soul be blessed" or similar variations referencing the pre-revolutionary era. Some footage shows crowds waving pre-1979 Iranian flags featuring the Lion and Sun emblem, symbolizing monarchist aspirations.
In response to the protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the demonstrators' concerns on December 30, 2025, stating that he had instructed the government to address "legitimate demands" through dialogue. He tasked the Interior Minister with engaging representatives of the protesters and pledged efforts to reform the monetary system and protect purchasing power. A government spokesperson indicated plans for a "dialogue mechanism" with protest leaders. Authorities have also closed schools, universities, and public institutions in many provinces, citing weather or energy conservation, while heavy security presence has been reported in key areas like Tehran's Grand Bazaar.
Despite these gestures, tensions escalated internationally when U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on January 2, 2026, warning that the U.S. military is prepared to intervene if Iranian forces violently suppress peaceful protesters. Trump wrote: "If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." The statement drew widespread media coverage, heightening concerns over potential foreign involvement as the protests continue.
Observers describe the current unrest as the most significant challenge to Iran's leadership since the 2022-2023 protests, though not yet reaching the same nationwide intensity. Analysts note that economic frustrations have intertwined with deeper political discontent, fueled by years of sanctions, regional setbacks, and perceived governance failures. Human rights groups have raised alarms over arrests and the potential for a harsher crackdown, while exiled opposition figures, including Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, have voiced support for the demonstrators.
As of January 2, 2026, protests show no signs of abating, with strikes continuing in bazaars and reports of fresh gatherings. Iranian authorities maintain a mixed approach of dialogue offers and security measures, but international attention remains focused on the regime's response amid growing calls for systemic change.
