Published: January 12, 2026

Iran is currently facing one of the most severe domestic crises in decades, as widespread protests continue to sweep across the country, and government authorities respond with an escalating crackdown. According to reports from Iran Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based non-governmental organization with an extensive network of sources inside Iran, the government’s response has resulted in what the organization describes as a “mass killing” of demonstrators. IHR confirmed that at least 192 people have been killed in the protests so far, but warned that the actual death toll could be significantly higher, potentially numbering several hundred or more. Some unverified reports suggest that the total number of casualties may exceed 2,000.

The current wave of unrest began as protests over the rising cost of living but has evolved into a broader movement challenging Iran’s theocratic system, which has been in place since the 1979 revolution. These demonstrations have now lasted over two weeks and are considered one of the most serious challenges to the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who, at 86 years old, has maintained tight control over the country’s political and social systems for decades. Analysts note that the unrest comes on the heels of Iran’s military engagement with Israel in a 12-day conflict last June, which was widely backed by the United States.

Despite efforts by the government to restrict communication, including a nationwide internet blackout that has lasted over 72 hours, the protests have continued to grow. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that the blackout has severely limited the flow of information from the ground, making it difficult to assess the full scope of the violence. Activists warn that the true number of casualties may therefore be far higher than the officially reported figures.

A video authenticated by AFP shows a troubling scene outside a morgue south of Tehran. The footage, geolocated to Kahrizak, depicted dozens of bodies wrapped in black bags piled outside the facility, while family members were seen searching for missing loved ones. Iran Human Rights said the video illustrates “a large number of people killed during the nationwide protests,” highlighting the scale of the crisis. This footage has drawn international attention and condemnation from rights organizations, further intensifying scrutiny of Tehran’s handling of the protests.

The Iranian government, however, has framed the protests very differently. President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Iran’s foreign adversaries of fomenting unrest and attempting to destabilize the country by bringing “terrorists from abroad” into Iran. Speaking in a televised interview, Pezeshkian urged citizens not to allow “rioters to disrupt society,” asserting that the government’s actions were intended to “establish justice.” State television has broadcast images of burned buildings, including mosques, alongside funeral processions for members of security forces reportedly killed during confrontations with protesters.

In line with its official narrative, the government declared three days of national mourning to honor the deaths of security personnel, whom state media described as “martyrs” killed in the line of duty. Authorities have labeled the suppression of the protests as a “national resistance battle” against external enemies, particularly the United States and Israel, which the Iranian leadership refers to as the “Zionist regime.” State media called on citizens to participate in “national resistance marches” to support the government’s efforts and denounce the violence carried out by what officials have described as “urban terrorist criminals.”

Since the beginning of the demonstrations, more than 2,600 protesters have reportedly been arrested, according to estimates by IHR. Security forces have been deployed heavily across cities to enforce curfews, patrol streets, and respond to protests. In Tehran, AFP journalists have described the city as operating in a state of near paralysis. Many shops remain closed, and those that remain open are required to shut by mid-afternoon as security personnel establish a heavy presence in urban areas. Prices for basic goods, particularly meat, have risen sharply amid the unrest, contributing to public frustration and further inflaming tensions.

Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s ousted shah and a vocal proponent of regime change, has played a prominent role in encouraging renewed demonstrations. Based in the United States, Pahlavi has called for continued protests and has expressed his willingness to return to Iran to lead a transition toward a democratic government. During a recent interview with Fox News, he stated, “I am already planning on that,” signaling his intent to actively support efforts to challenge the current regime. Some protesters have been heard chanting slogans in support of the shah, reflecting the symbolic role Pahlavi and his family continue to play in opposition movements.

Despite the heavy restrictions on communication imposed by the government, videos and images of large demonstrations in Tehran and other major cities have managed to reach the outside world. These materials provide glimpses of the scale of the protests, which have continued despite the threats posed by security forces. Citizens face significant risks for participating in demonstrations, including detention, injury, and possible death. The government’s strict measures have not only disrupted public life but also created an environment of fear and uncertainty, contributing to the challenges faced by journalists and human rights monitors.

International reactions have further complicated the situation. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for the protests and issued warnings to Iranian authorities, threatening military action should the government continue its lethal crackdown on demonstrators. In response, Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran would respond if the U.S. initiated military action, describing U.S. military and shipping assets as “legitimate targets” in such a scenario. These statements underscore the heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding the unrest and the risk of further escalation beyond Iran’s borders.

The current crisis represents a convergence of internal dissatisfaction, economic hardship, and longstanding political grievances, compounded by regional and international pressures. The protests, which began as a reaction to inflation and rising living costs, have rapidly transformed into a direct challenge to the political system that has governed Iran for nearly five decades. Analysts warn that the situation remains highly volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight.

In conclusion, Iran stands at a critical juncture. The combination of widespread protests, a harsh governmental crackdown, and international attention has created a scenario of intense uncertainty. With casualties continuing to mount and political rhetoric hardening, the possibility of further escalation looms large. The outcome of this unrest may not only determine the future of domestic governance in Iran but could also have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and international relations. As the world watches closely, the country’s citizens continue to navigate a dangerous and uncertain environment, calling for justice, accountability, and change amid a climate of fear and repression.

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