Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Iran Protests Intensify, US Considers Military Action
There are big protests happening in Iran.
People are very angry about the economy and want big changes, even calling for the leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to step down.
The government is cracking down hard, cutting off the internet and arresting people.
The US President, Donald Trump, says he's ready to help the protesters and has even talked about military action.
Other world leaders are watching closely.
It's a very tense situation.
Anti-government protests in Iran have been ongoing for two weeks, with protesters calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian government has imposed an internet blackout and warned protesters could face the death penalty, accusing the US and Israel of inciting unrest.
US President Donald Trump has expressed support for the protesters and considered military options, including targeted strikes in Tehran.
At least 116 people have been killed, and thousands have been arrested in the protests, which have spread to over 100 cities across Iran.
International leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have condemned the violent repression of protests and expressed support for the protesters.
- Who
- Protesters in Iran, US President Donald Trump, Iranian Government
- What
- Anti-government protests in Iran, US considering military action, international support for protesters
- When
- Protests began on December 28, 2025, and have been ongoing for two weeks
- Where
- Iran, primarily in Tehran and over 100 other cities
- Why
- Protests initially focused on economic hardships and inflation, later expanded to demand an end to clerical rule and freedom
Protesters
Iranian Government
Protesters' Demands
Protesters
Protesters are calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the return of monarchy under Reza Pahlavi, demanding freedom and an end to clerical rule.
Iranian Government
The Iranian government accuses the United States and Israel of inciting unrest and claims that protesters are 'terrorists' waging a war against God, justifying a crackdown.
International Support
Protesters
Protesters have received support from US President Donald Trump and European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who condemned the violent repression of demonstrations.
Iranian Government
The Iranian government has warned that protesters could face the death penalty and has accused the US of fuelling unrest, claiming foreign interference violates international norms.
- Protest Duration
- Two weeks (since December 28, 2025)
- Protest Locations
- Tehran, Mashhad, and over 100 cities across Iran
- Casualties
- At least 116 killed, thousands arrested
- Internet Shutdown
- Nationwide internet blackout imposed by the government
- US Military Options
- Targeted strikes on select sites in Tehran, including non-military infrastructure
- US Support
- President Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham have expressed support for protesters
- International Response
- EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the violent repression of protests
- Iranian Government Stance
- Accuses the US and Israel of inciting unrest, warns of death penalty for protesters
Sources
This Week in Explainers: How US could force India to pay 500% tariff over Russian oil
This Week in Explainers: Why the anti-Khamenei uprising is Iran’s most powerful yet
Iran protests: 116 killed in two weeks, authorities warn of intensified crackdown
Trump briefed on military options in Iran: Report
Iran news: Massive military build-up reported as protests intensify, US strikes imminent after Trump threat?—key updates
Mega Protests Across Iran, Activists Call it a Revolution
