Widespread Protests in Iran Continue Amidst Increasing Repression
Nationwide protests in Iran, which began on December 28, 2025, over a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial, have escalated to their 13th day, despite increasing repression from the authorities. According to various human rights organizations, the death toll has risen to at least 116, with at least 2,300 arrests made and several others injured.
Protests and Repression
The protests initially began in central Tehran with merchants protesting against the depreciating value of the Iranian rial, but have since spread to various regions of the country, with hundreds of thousands marching and chanting anti-regime slogans. In response, Iranian authorities have reportedly employed violent tactics, including the use of live rounds, to quell the unrest.
According to the Iranian human rights NGO Hrana, at least 65 people have died, comprising 50 protesters and 15 members of the security forces. Other sources, such as the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, estimate the death toll to be higher, at 116. The New York Times reports that the antigovernment unrest has intensified over the past two weeks, as has the violence, with security forces reportedly raiding a hospital in one western province.
Rioters' Actions and Detentions
The Iranian authorities have reported the detention of over 100 armed rioters in western Tehran, and at least 200 rebel leaders across the nation. In addition to this, a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, grenades, and Molotov cocktails were reportedly seized from the protesters' hiding places. The TASS news agency reports that rioters have also caused extensive damage to property, including burning down 25 mosques, damaging 26 banks, three medical centers, ten government buildings, and several vehicles.
International Reactions and Potential Consequences
As the situation escalates, international attention and concern have grown. US President Donald Trump has been given military options and is reportedly considering a strike on Iran. In response, Tehran has warned that the US and Israel will become targets if there is any intervention.
The contrasting narratives in the international community raise questions about the repercussions of such interventions. Deutsche Welle queries whether Trump's threats to hit Iran very hard
if the regime escalates its crackdown are helping or harming the protesters.
Current Status
Despite the repression and threat of death penalty announced by Khamenei, the protests persist, with social media footage showing violent clashes and bodies lying in blood. Hospitals are reported to be on the verge of collapse, with staff overwhelmed by the number of casualties. Amidst this chaos, the Iranian state TV continues to report on security force casualties while portraying control over the nation, increasingly referring to the dead demonstrators as terrorists
.
The situation remains volatile, with the death toll, number of arrests, and intensity of protests continuing to rise. As the unrest enters its third week, the world watches closely as the Iranian government struggles to regain control.