Since late December 2025 and into early 2026, Iran has been gripped by widespread anti-government protests driven by economic hardship, political grievances, and public frustration with systemic repression.
More than 500 protesters have been killed and nearly 10,700 people arrested as demonstrations continue, according to a U.S.-based rights group. A nationwide internet blackout, which has also disrupted mobile phone calls, has lasted for four days, making independent verification difficult.
Demonstrations have spread across major cities and provinces, with citizens calling for systemic reforms, greater freedoms, and accountability from Iran’s clerical leadership. Authorities have staged pro-government rallies and framed the unrest as foreign-driven, underscoring both the domestic and geopolitical dimensions of the crisis.
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The international response has been swift and high-profile. US President Donald Trump said countries that do business with Tehran will face a new 25% tariff. Trump has also considered additional measures, including sanctions and military options, while emphasizing that diplomacy remains the preferred approach. Meanwhile, CNN reports that Iran earlier said it is ready to talk with the US but is “prepared for war.”
Iran’s foreign minister has communicated in recent days with Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, signaling a tense but active channel of dialogue with U.S. officials.
The protests represent one of Iran’s most significant internal crises in decades, highlighting the convergence of domestic unrest, authoritarian suppression, and mounting international pressure.
Amid economic distress, human rights concerns, and uncertainty over foreign intervention, the trajectory of the protests remains fluid and unpredictable. With millions affected and growing global attention, the situation underscores the fragility of governance structures under sustained stress and the challenges facing both Tehran and the international community in balancing security, diplomacy, and humanitarian concerns.
Many demonstrators have voiced anger at the government, calling for accountability and reform, while drawing comparisons to the 2022–2023 Mahsa Amini protests. The movement reflects widespread dissatisfaction with political repression, limited freedoms, and perceived corruption, signaling a broader challenge to the Islamic Republic’s authority.
Authorities have responded with a harsh crackdown, including mass arrests and a nationwide internet blackout.
The ultimate outcome of the protests and international measures will likely depend on evolving political decisions, the enforcement of sanctions, and the responses of both domestic actors and global powers.
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Beyond the immediate unrest, the protests highlight the fragility of social and political stability under prolonged economic, political, and social pressures. They reveal how deep-seated grievances, when combined with authoritarian measures, can challenge established governance structures and provoke widespread public mobilization.
The crisis also underscores the complex interplay between domestic developments and international responses, demonstrating that internal upheavals rarely exist in isolation. As Iran navigates this critical juncture, the resolution will depend not only on immediate actions but on the longer-term capacity of institutions and leaders to address systemic inequalities, foster accountability, and create meaningful avenues for dialogue before discontent escalates further.