Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Iran Protests Escalate with 500+ Deaths
There are big protests happening in Iran.
People are upset about the high cost of living and the government's rules.
The government is trying to stop the protests, and many people have been hurt or killed.
The US president, Donald Trump, has said the US is ready to help the protesters.
Iran's government has warned that if the US or Israel attacks, they will hit back at US military bases and ships.
Israel is also watching the situation closely.
The internet in Iran is mostly shut down, making it hard to know what's really happening.
Both sides are trying to show they are strong, but no one knows what will happen next.
Protests in Iran have resulted in over 544 deaths, with more than 10,600 people arrested in two weeks of unrest.
Iran's parliament speaker warned that US military and commercial bases would be 'legitimate targets' if the US intervenes in the ongoing protests.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to intervene if Iranian authorities use force against protesters, stating the US stands 'ready to help'.
Israel is on high alert due to the possibility of US intervention, with tensions high between Israel and Iran over nuclear and missile programs.
The protests, which began over economic issues, have turned against the clerical establishment, with protesters demanding the end of the regime led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Who
- Iranian government, protesters, US and Israeli officials
- What
- Protests in Iran, threats of retaliation from Iran, US and Israeli responses
- When
- Protests began on December 28, ongoing as of January 11
- Where
- Across Iran, with significant events in Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Mashhad
- Why
- Protests started due to soaring inflation and economic crisis, turned against the clerical establishment
Iranian Government
Protesters and International Supporters
Cause of Protests
Iranian Government
The Iranian government blames the protests on foreign interference, particularly from the U.S. and Israel, and accuses protesters of being 'rioters and terrorists'.
Protesters and International Supporters
Protesters and international supporters attribute the unrest to economic hardship, political repression, and long-standing grievances against the ruling system.
Use of Force
Iranian Government
The Iranian government justifies its crackdown as necessary to maintain order and national security, accusing protesters of violence and terrorism.
Protesters and International Supporters
Protesters and international supporters condemn the government's use of force, including live ammunition and mass arrests, as excessive and violent.
International Intervention
Iranian Government
Iran threatens to target U.S. military bases and Israeli territories if there is any foreign intervention, viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty.
Protesters and International Supporters
The U.S. and Israel express support for the protesters and consider potential intervention to protect them, viewing it as a response to human rights violations.
- Death Toll
- 544+ (mostly protesters, 48 security personnel)
- Arrests
- 10,600+
- Protest Duration
- 14 consecutive days
- Internet Connectivity
- Near-total blackout
- Security Forces Killed
- 30 in Isfahan, 6 in Kermanshah
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Iranian Parliament Speaker
- Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf
- Israeli Prime Minister
- Benjamin Netanyahu
Sources
Confronting protests, Iran vows to strike back if U.S. attacks
Confronting Protests, Iran Vows To Strike Back If US Attacks
‘If the US takes military action…’: Iran issues fresh warning to US amid massive protests
Iran warns US military, commercial bases would be 'legitimate targets' if Washington intervenes
Trump is briefed on options for striking Iran as protests continue
US, Israel will be our ‘legitimate target’: Iran vows to strike back if Washington attacks - Telegraph India
Iran threatens to attack Israel and the US, declares their military bases and shipping centres ‘legitimate targets’
‘Yoke of tyranny’: Netanyahu backs Iran unrest, says 'Israel closely monitoring protests for freedom'
Iran protest crackdown: At least 538 left dead as Tehran warns US, Israel against intervention
At least 538 protesters killed in Iran unrest as regime warns US and Israel against intervention
Deaths from Iran protests reaches more than 500, rights group says
Some US senators skeptical about military options for Iran
Death toll in Iran crosses 500, say activists amid crackdown on nationwide protests
Iran unrest: Why some US lawmakers are voicing doubts over Trump-led military intervention
Truck Rams Into Crowd Of Anti-Iranian Regime Protestors In Los Angeles; Several Injured | WATCH
Trump says weighing tough response to Iran crackdown, says Tehran called to negotiate
Weakened by war, Iran’s regime faces its toughest challenge yet
Iran says 'ready to negotiate', but 'prepared for war' after Trump warns of ‘US action before meeting’ amid unrest
'Disgraceful banner of Islamic Republic': Iran's exiled Crown Prince tells protesters to unfurl Shah-era lion and sun flag
'Might Act if Situation Worsens...': Trump Confirms Iran’s Negotiation Outreach
China rejects foreign ‘interference’ after Trump warns of military action over Iran – Firstpost
‘Failed Because Of Poor Planning’: Khamenei Calls US Support For Anti-Regime Protests ‘Misguided’
"Foreign Interference Intensifying Unrest": Iran's India Envoy To NDTV
Iranian military will teach 'an unforgettable lesson' to Trump if US attacks Iran: Parliament speaker
'Iran must not fall': Congress MP flags India's strategic stakes as protests rock Tehran
Iran protests’ surging toll, Trump’s military threats: How did we reach here in 3 weeks
What are Donald Trump’s options in Iran?
