Iran Protests 2026 Live Updates: Unrest continues in Tehran, major cities; Internet access blocked

Iran Protests News Today Live Updates: Verified videos show thousands marching peacefully through Tehran and Mashhad, chanting slogans that directly target the foundations of the Islamic Republic, including calls for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the return of monarchy under Reza Pahlavi.

Large protests target Iran’s leadership: Huge crowds have taken to the streets of Iran’s capital Tehran and other major cities in what appears to be the most significant public challenge to the country’s clerical establishment in years. Videos verified by the BBC show thousands marching peacefully through Tehran and Mashhad, chanting slogans that directly target the foundations of the Islamic Republic, including calls for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the return of monarchy under Reza Pahlavi.

Protests enter twelfth day: The demonstrations mark the twelfth consecutive day of unrest triggered by economic anger, particularly the collapse of Iran’s currency, and have spread to more than 100 cities and towns across all 31 provinces, according to rights groups. Protesters have been heard chanting “Death to the dictator” and “Don’t be afraid, we are all together,” while some footage shows crowds dismantling surveillance cameras—an unmistakable sign of defiance against state control. Although many protests remained peaceful, videos from western Iran suggest live fire in at least one city.

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Internet Blackout Amid Protests : As the protests intensified, monitors reported a nationwide internet blackout, cutting off communication at a critical moment. Human rights organisations have documented dozens of deaths, including children, and thousands of arrests, while Iranian state media has sought to minimise or deny the scale of the unrest. With calls for fresh demonstrations continuing and digital censorship tightening, Iran appears to be entering a volatile phase where economic despair, political dissent, and state repression are colliding in the open.

Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi urged supporters to continue demonstrations, alleging attempts to disrupt protests through internet shutdowns. President Masoud Pezeshkian called for restraint, though power rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The situation drew international attention after Donald Trump warned of action if killings continue.

Live Updates
Jan 9, 2026 10:48 AM IST
Iran Protests 2026 Live Updates: Young Iranians drive latest unrest

The current wave of protests is being led largely by young men, marking a shift from the 2022–23 unrest in which women and girls played a central role. Nearly half of Iran’s population is under 30, and analysts say many no longer identify with the ideological pillars of the Islamic Republic. Protesters have voiced frustration over enforced social controls and foreign policy choices, arguing that decades-old revolutionary priorities no longer reflect their aspirations. “The collapse is not just of the rial, but of trust,” said Alex Vatanka of the Middle East Institute.

— Reuters

Jan 9, 2026 10:34 AM IST
Iran Protests 2026 Live Updates: Iran Faces Crisis of Legitimacy: Analysts

Iran’s clerical establishment is facing a growing crisis of legitimacy as anti-government protests spread across all 31 provinces, analysts say. While the unrest has not yet matched the scale of the 2022–23 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death, it reflects deepening public disillusionment with the political system. Demonstrations initially driven by anger over the collapsing rial have expanded into broader opposition to the Islamic Republic’s priorities, particularly among younger Iranians. Analysts say the unrest underscores a widening gap between the ruling elite and a population that increasingly questions the foundations of clerical rule.

— Reuters

Jan 9, 2026 10:25 AM IST
Iran Protests 2026 Live Updates: At Least 42 Killed, Thousands Detained

Violence linked to the protests has killed at least 42 people, while more than 2,270 others have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Iranian media have reported deaths and injuries among security personnel in multiple provinces, including fatal attacks on police and Revolutionary Guard members. Officials have not released comprehensive casualty figures. Analysts note that the lack of a unified leadership has weakened past protest movements in Iran, as security agencies have arrested or forced into exile potential opposition figures.

— With Inputs from Associated Press
Jan 9, 2026 10:20 AM IST
Iran Protests 2026 Live Updates: Protests Spread; Markets shut in support

Demonstrations continued across Iranian cities and rural towns, with several markets and bazaars shutting down in support of protesters, according to reports. The unrest, sparked by economic distress and a sharp currency collapse, has remained largely leaderless so far. Protesters have chanted slogans against Iran’s political system, while some voiced support for the former monarchy. Rights groups said the scale of protests has increased pressure on Iran’s civilian government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, even as authorities have not officially acknowledged the breadth of the unrest.

— With Inputs from Associated Press

Jan 9, 2026 09:28 AM IST
Iran Cuts Internet, Phone Services as Protests Continue After Exiled Prince’s Call

Iran shut down nationwide internet access and international phone services on Thursday night as protests intensified following a call for demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Internet firms Cloudflare and NetBlocks said the outage was due to government interference, though Iranian state television did not acknowledge it. Demonstrations were reported across cities and towns, with protesters chanting slogans against the Islamic Republic. Rights groups said at least 42 people have been killed and over 2,200 detained since unrest began amid economic distress. The protests have increased pressure on Iran’s leadership.

— With Inputs from the Associated Press

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