Protests in Iran continue for a second consecutive night on 10 January 2026, despite a nationwide internet blackout and escalating government crackdowns, with demonstrators defying threats of severe punishment The unrest, which began on 28 December 2025 over a currency crisis and soaring inflation, has now spread to at least 190 cities and entered its third week, marking one of the most significant challenges to the Islamic Republic in decades
- Iranian authorities have imposed a near-total internet shutdown since 8 January, confirmed by NetBlocks, in an effort to suppress information and disrupt protest coordination—a move described by experts as a “digital kill switch”
- Security forces have used live ammunition against protesters, with human rights groups reporting at least 48 deaths, while the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency claims 116 killed, including seven under 18, and over 2,600 arrested
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed protesters as “vandals” and vowed the regime “will not back down,” while also warning U.S. President Donald Trump that he would be “brought down” for interfering
- Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran, stating the U.S. would “start shooting” if protesters are killed and declaring “Make Iran Great Again,” signaling strong support for the demonstrators
- The UN-mandated fact-finding mission on Iran has urged the government to halt violence and restore internet access, expressing alarm over reports of unrestrained crackdowns
- Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has called for continued protests and nationwide strikes by energy and transport workers, amplifying pressure on the regime
- International condemnation has grown, with the leaders of the UK, Germany, and France condemning the killings, and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper praising the protesters’ courage
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