Iran Protests Escalate Amid Government Crackdown

Sun Jan 11 2026 18:08:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As protests rage across Iran against government repression and soaring inflation, security forces intensify their violent response, leaving dozens dead and many more injured.

Despite a brutal crackdown by Iranian authorities that has reportedly killed hundreds over the past week, protests continue in over 100 cities across the country. Eyewitness accounts and verified videos depict violent clashes between security forces and protestors, with increasing warnings from the government against dissent. The U.S. has expressed readiness to support the protestors amid claims of severe human rights abuses.

Protesters in Iran defied a deadly government crackdown on Saturday night, taking to the streets despite reports suggesting hundreds of people have been killed or wounded by security forces in the past three days. Verified videos and eyewitness accounts seen by the BBC appeared to show the government was ramping up its response, as it continues an overarching internet blackout. The country's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, stated that anyone protesting would be considered an enemy of God - an offense that carries the death penalty. Hundreds of protesters have been reported killed or injured since protests began more than two weeks ago, with many detained.

The protests, sparked by soaring inflation, have now spread to more than 100 cities and towns across every province in Iran. Protesters are calling for an end to the clerical rule of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Iranian government has imposed an internet shutdown in an effort to stifle the protests. Alireza Manafi, an internet researcher, noted the current shutdown is more severe than previous instances, with access to the global internet almost completely down.

Verified video footage from Saturday night depicted fierce clashes between protesters and security forces in several locations, including Tehran and Mashhad. Protesters took to the streets with pots and pans, chantingagainst the clerical establishment. The violence has resulted in overwhelming casualties, with reports of dozens of fatalities, including children, and hospitals struggling to accommodate the influx of wounded.

In response to the unrest, U.S President Trump expressed support for the protesters, indicating readiness from the U.S. to assist. Statements from U.S. officials highlighted concerns over the Iranian government's violent repression and signaled potential military options. Activists and former Iranian royal figures have echoed calls for continued protests, encouraging demonstrators to remain vigilant.

Amnesty International reported intensified use of lethal force against demonstrators and called for accountability for those responsible for the violence. The situation in Iran remains volatile as the government continues its crackdown while voices of dissent gain international attention.