Mass anti-government protests have erupted across Tehran and several other Iranian cities, as public anger over economic hardship and political leadership intensifies.
Verified videos circulating online show thousands of demonstrators marching through major roads in Tehran and cities such as Mashhad, chanting slogans calling for the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters were also heard demanding sweeping political change as the unrest entered its 12th consecutive day.
The protests were triggered by the sharp collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, and rising inflation, which have deepened economic pressure on citizens. Human rights groups say demonstrations have now spread to more than 100 cities and towns across the country.
Monitoring organisations reported widespread internet disruptions nationwide, suggesting efforts by authorities to restrict the flow of information as protests escalated.
Human rights organisations have also reported rising casualties and arrests. Dozens of protesters and security personnel have reportedly been killed, while more than 2,000 people have been arrested since the unrest began. Several children were said to be among those killed.
Footage from cities including Isfahan, Tabriz, Dezful and Babol shows crowds chanting anti-government slogans, confronting security forces and dismantling surveillance equipment. In parts of western Iran, videos appear to show security forces firing weapons as demonstrators gathered in public spaces.
The protests intensified after exiled royal figure Reza Pahlavi called on Iranians to take to the streets in a united protest. Meanwhile, Iranian state media downplayed the scale of the unrest, with some reports denying that protests took place.
The demonstrations began on December 28 and are being described as the most widespread nationwide unrest since the 2022 protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
