Reports and recordings from Iran indicate a huge escalation of protests and a growing spiral of aggression. Demonstrators are fed up with the deteriorating economic situation, including the decline in the value of the currency.
What began as a protest against skyrocketing prices and poverty turned into a nationwide revolution. According to observers, demonstrations took place in at least 50 cities and towns, mainly in the west of the country.
Islamic leaders are reacting more and more brutally, trying to suppress the protests and intimidate the opposition at all costs. However, the demonstrators do not intend to give in – as journalist Amir Miresmaeil writes, in the recording below you can see burning “government and military building”.
The NetBlocks organization reported on Thursday that Iranian authorities are hindering access to the network, and the country is currently in a state of “an almost complete nationwide Internet blockade.” Donald Trump announces decisive actions, and experts indicate that the cornered regime in Tehran now has two basic goals.
“It serves [blokada internetu] two goals: 1. Suppressing coordination of activities in the country. 2. Hiding state violence from the world,” said Nazanin Boniadi, an activist of Iranian origin, in a post on X.
Despite the Internet blockade and the violence of Islamic security forces, more and more Iranians are rebelling against the regime. There are many reasons for dissatisfaction, including: the country's deteriorating economic situation, a corrupt system composed of secret service and paramilitary agents, and repression against the population.
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On Friday, January 9, Supreme Iranian leader Ali Khamenei spoke out and stated that there are “hooligans” in Iran who destroy public property to please the US president. “Trump should focus on the problems in his own country,” he said on state television.
“The fall of the Iranian regime seems closer than ever”
Protests for freedom are fueled by Reza Pahlavi, the son of the shah deposed in 1979. He has called on people to continue protesting against the mullahs. On Thursday, he warned Islamists against violence against the population: “I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader and the Revolutionary Guard: the world and the President of the United States are watching you closely. Your repression against the population will not go unanswered.”
Earlier, US President Donald Trump threatened the mullahs with consequences if they shot at protesters. On Thursday, Trump repeated his warning, saying: “I made it clear to them that if they kill people, we will hit them very hard.”
Shop owners and traders cross a bridge during a protest against economic conditions and the weakening of Iran's currency, Tehran, December 29, 2025.HANDOUT/AFP/East News / East News
Crowds also took to the streets again on Thursday in the cities of Tabriz and Mashhad. Persian-language radio stations in exile showed dramatic images: people who, despite threats and violence, no longer want to remain silent.
The situation is serious. According to the human rights group Iran Human Rights, at least 45 protesters were killed, including eight minors. The Iranian authorities have so far reported 21 deaths, including security officers.
Israeli Iran expert Raz Zimmt said in a post on Platform X: “The fall of the Iranian regime seems to be [8 stycznia] closer than ever, but it also depends to a large extent on whether circles around the regime lose faith in its viability and in its ability to ensure its survival through the available means of repression.”
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
