In the latest developments of Iran's ongoing anti-government protests—sparked by economic hardship on December 28, 2025, and now demanding an end to clerical rule—authorities have vowed a severe response amid rising violence. The IRGC accused 'terrorists' of attacks, HRANA reported at least 65 deaths and 2,300 arrests, and an internet blackout has obscured the scale, as U.S. President Trump warned of intervention.
The protests, which spread from Tehran to cities including Karaj, Shiraz, Qom, and Hamedan, have seen escalating clashes. State media reported rioters setting a municipal building ablaze in Karaj, while funerals aired for security forces killed in Shiraz, Qom, and Hamedan. Verified social media videos showed large Tehran crowds and street fires.
The IRGC stated via TV that 'terrorists' attacked bases over two nights, causing citizen and personnel deaths plus property damage, declaring security a 'red line.' Iran's military pledged to safeguard infrastructure. A western Iran witness saw IRGC forces firing; Tasnim reported 100 'armed rioters' arrested near Tehran.
HRANA tallied at least 50 protesters and 15 security personnel killed. Reza Pahlavi, son of the last shah, urged seizing city centers in a video, hinting at his return; some chanted for the shah. Trump warned Iran against shooting protesters, saying the U.S. would respond, amid Khamenei's claims of foreign mercenaries.
A northwestern doctor described hospitals overwhelmed with beaten or shot protesters, including 20 live-ammunition cases at one facility, five fatal. Specific security losses: three Basij in Gachsaran, one stabbed in Hamedan, others in Mashhad and Shushtar.
An internet blackout has limited visibility, echoing tactics in prior unrest like 2022's Mahsa Amini protests.
