The demonstrations, which began in late December over economic hardship, have rapidly expanded into a broader challenge to Iran’s political leadership. Protests flared across multiple provinces on January 8 and 9, despite a nationwide shutdown of internet and phone services imposed by authorities to curb mobilisation.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, at least 116 protests were recorded across 22 provinces since January 8, including more than 20 large-scale gatherings involving over 1,000 participants. Videos circulated online—many reportedly shared via satellite services such as Starlink—show crowds chanting slogans against the ruling establishment.
Amid the unrest, Iranian officials made controversial remarks suggesting a “Maduro-style” response to US President Donald Trump, accusing Washington of encouraging protests inside Iran. The comments appeared to reference the recent detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces, though no official policy statement was issued.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation for the first time since the protests began, warning of a severe crackdown. In a televised speech, he accused demonstrators of acting as “mercenaries for foreign powers” and said Iran would not tolerate actions aimed at destabilising the country. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei echoed the warning, calling for “decisive and maximum punishment” with no leniency.
From abroad, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, urged protesters to escalate their strategy. In a video message, he called on demonstrators to move beyond street protests and “prepare to seize and hold city centres.” Pahlavi also appealed to workers in key sectors—transportation, oil, gas and energy—to launch nationwide strikes to cut off state revenues. He asked supporters to return to the streets on January 10 and 11.
US President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, claiming on social media that protesters had taken control of Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city. The claim, however, has not been independently verified, and no credible reports have confirmed a withdrawal of security forces from the city.
Mashhad, home to around four million people and a major Shia pilgrimage site, remains under tight watch. Analysts say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the protests can sustain momentum amid intensifying repression and rising international attention.
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