Iran: Massive Anti-Government Protests, Thousands Reportedly Killed in Crackdown

Nationwide unrest over economic crisis turns into political uprising as reports claim heavy casualties and internet blackout in Iran.

TEHRAN: On December 28, 2025, large-scale protests against the government began in Iran, pushing the country into a serious political and humanitarian crisis. These demonstrations are being described by observers as the largest public unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Reports from various sources claim that thousands of people have lost their lives during the government’s crackdown.

The protests first started because of rising inflation, very high food prices, and the sharp fall in the value of the Iranian currency. Many people were struggling with daily living conditions. Within days, however, the protests turned into wider political demands calling for major change in the country’s system of governance.

The movement reportedly began with traders from Tehran’s main bazaar. University students soon joined them, and the protests quickly spread to many cities and towns across Iran. Demonstrators chanted slogans against the government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and some government property was damaged.

“The scale of unrest in Iran marks a critical moment in the country’s modern political history.”

At the beginning, the protests did not have a clear leader. On January 8, Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called on people to unite and continue demonstrations. After his message, protest numbers reportedly increased. Some estimates claimed that about 1.5 million people gathered in Tehran on January 8, and by January 9, participation across the country may have reached around 5 million people.

In response, authorities shut down internet and phone services in many areas. The Iranian government accused the United States and Israel of encouraging the unrest. Analysts say such accusations are often made during times of domestic instability.

By January 10, reports began to emerge that at least 2,000 protesters had been killed within 48 hours, although communication blackouts made verification difficult. Hospitals in cities like Tehran and Shiraz were reportedly filled with injured people, many suffering from gunshot wounds. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged that security forces had fired on protesters, increasing international concern.

Independent and international sources later published higher casualty estimates:

• On January 11, some reports estimated 6,000 deaths.
• On January 13, figures ranged between 12,000 and 20,000.
• By January 17, certain estimates suggested 16,500 to 18,000 deaths and more than 300,000 injured.

These figures have not been independently confirmed, but they have raised serious global concern over possible human rights violations.

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Reza Pahlavi responded by saying that power in Iran should be transferred peacefully and that a national referendum should decide the country’s future political system.

The protests have created one of the most unstable periods in Iran’s recent history, with the political future of the country remaining uncertain.

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