Anti-Government protests erupt in Iran

Violence in more than 100 cities
Police personnel killed
45 people dead so far
Tehran airport and internet services shut down

Tehran (Iran) – Protests against inflation that have been ongoing in Iran for the past 13 days have intensified sharply. Citizens have staged demonstrations in more than 100 cities across the country. During these protests, demonstrators blocked roads and set fires at several places. People raised slogans such as “Death to Khamenei” and “End of the Islamic Republic.” In some places, protesters were seen chanting slogans in support of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, including, “This is the final battle, Reza Pahlavi will return.”

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So far, 45 people have been killed in the violence during the protests, including 8 children. A Police officer was stabbed to death. In connection with these incidents, Police have taken more than 2,270 people into custody. For security reasons, internet and telecommunication services have been shut down across the country. Tehran airport has also been closed, and the military has been put on high alert. Despite the internet shutdown, some people are broadcasting videos via “Starlink.” Starlink is a satellite-based internet service owned by Elon Musk.

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi calls on people to take to the streets

The protests intensified further after exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi appealed to people on January 7 to come out onto the streets. Reza Pahlavi is the son of Iran’s last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was removed from power during the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Crown Prince Pahlavi currently resides in the United States. (If someone raises the suspicion that Crown Prince Pahlavi is a puppet of the American “deep state,” it would not be entirely illogical to dismiss it outright — Editor).

If protesters are touched, we will invade Iran; US threatens

Donald Trump has threatened Iran, stating that if the protesters are harmed, the United States will invade Iran.

Demand to hand over power to Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi

After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini came to power in Iran and served as Supreme Leader from 1979 to 1989. After him, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei became the Supreme Leader and has remained in power for the past 37 years since 1989. Citizens allege that Iran’s condition has deteriorated during his tenure. For this reason, demands are gaining momentum to hand over power to 65-year-old Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Protesters view Reza Pahlavi as a secular and democratic alternative. The younger generation believes that his return could bring economic stability, global acceptance, and personal freedom to Iran.

What is the reason behind the Iranian people’s anger ?

In December 2025, the Iranian currency, the rial, collapsed to an estimated rate of around 1.2 lakh rials per one US dollar, its lowest level ever. Additionally, the Iranian government increased taxes by 62 percent in the 2026 budget, triggering intense resentment among the common people. This has led to rising inflation and anger, particularly among the youth.

Editorial Perspective

After Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, a similar state of near-anarchy has now emerged—or has been created—in Iran. It should not be surprising if it later emerges that the United States, blinded by self-interest and eager to see Iran weakened and subjected to sanctions, has had a hand behind these protests.