Iran is currently experiencing widespread protests that have escalated into violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. The protests, now over two weeks old, have spread across major cities including Tehran and Mashhad, with at least 116 people reported dead. These demonstrations began in late December 2025, fueled by economic pressures, political unrest, and the Iranian government’s crackdown on dissent. This article explores the key events of these protests, the international implications, and the potential consequences for Iran’s future.
Protests Continue to Rage Across Iran
The Violent Protests in Tehran and Mashhad
In Iran’s capital, Tehran, and its second-largest city, Mashhad, thousands of people took to the streets to challenge the country’s theocratic leadership. Despite efforts to control the situation, including internet shutdowns and restricted phone lines, protests have continued to grow, with some demonstrators resorting to using mobile phones and fireworks to make their voices heard.
Videos from the ground show protesters gathering in various parts of Tehran, including the northern neighborhood of Punak, where they demonstrated their defiance by waving their phones and banging metal objects. These acts of resistance are powerful symbols of defiance against the regime.
Mashhad, a city of deep religious significance due to its Imam Reza shrine, has also seen intense protests. Demonstrators have clashed with security forces, blocking streets with flaming debris and dumpsters. The significance of Mashhad in Iran’s Shiite Islam makes these protests especially powerful, as it challenges both the political and religious foundations of Iran’s theocracy.
Death Toll and Arrests
The protests have resulted in a significant loss of life. As of Sunday, over 116 people have been killed, with more than 2,600 others detained, according to reports from the Human Rights Activists News Agency. This high death toll reflects the violence that has marked the demonstrations, despite the Iranian government’s attempts to suppress them.
International Reactions and Threats of Military Action
U.S. Support for Protesters and Trump’s Threats
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the Iranian protesters, stating on social media that Iran is experiencing a moment of “freedom like never before.” While Trump has shown sympathy for the demonstrators, his administration has also made threats of military action. The U.S. military has reportedly been preparing for possible strikes on Iran, though no final decision has been made.
In response to these threats, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned that the U.S. military and Israel would become “legitimate targets” if the U.S. strikes Iran. Qalibaf’s speech was accompanied by the chant “Death to America,” a phrase frequently used in the Iranian regime’s rhetoric. The threat was directed not only at U.S. military bases and ships but also at Israel, which Iran refers to as “the occupied territory.”
Despite these threats, it remains unclear how serious Iran is about taking military action. Any decision to escalate the conflict would ultimately rest with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Possible Escalation of the Conflict
There are growing concerns that Iran’s government may use this opportunity to tighten its grip on power, using the protests as a pretext to launch a more brutal crackdown. Iranian authorities have already signaled their willingness to escalate violence, with Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad declaring that anyone involved in the protests could face the death penalty under the charge of “enemy of God.” This threat has been echoed by other government officials, signaling a shift toward even harsher tactics to silence dissent.
The Role of Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has also played a role in encouraging the protests. His calls for demonstrations have inspired many to take to the streets, with some even waving Iran’s old lion-and-sun flag, a symbol from the time of the shah before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. While Pahlavi’s support for Israel has drawn criticism, his role in rallying opposition to the current regime cannot be ignored.
Economic Struggles Behind the Protests
The protests that began on December 28, 2025, were initially sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial, which is now worth over 1.4 million to 1 USD. This collapse is indicative of the broader economic challenges Iran faces, exacerbated by international sanctions and internal mismanagement. The economic crisis has worsened under the pressure of the U.S. nuclear sanctions, fueling anger against the regime and contributing to the escalation of protests.
Government’s Response and Media Control
The Iranian government has resorted to shutting down the internet and restricting international communication in an attempt to control the flow of information. Despite these efforts, some media outlets, such as Qatar’s Al Jazeera, have managed to report live from Iran. State-controlled media has also broadcast pro-government rallies, showing support for the regime’s crackdown. However, these reports have been heavily criticized as attempts to manipulate public perception.
