Why Protests Are Erupting Across Iran and Trump’s Response
Mass protests across Iran have left hundreds dead and thousands arrested, raising questions about the future of the country’s ruling regime. The unrest began with economic grievances but has escalated into a broader political challenge. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iranian authorities continue to kill protesters.
Origins of the Protests
The unrest started on 28 December when shopkeepers in Tehran took to the streets to express outrage over a sharp decline in the Iranian rial against the US dollar. Over the past year, the currency has plummeted to record lows, while inflation has surged to around 40%, causing the prices of essential items like cooking oil and meat to soar. Economic sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program have compounded problems in an economy already weakened by government mismanagement and corruption.
University students quickly joined the demonstrations, which soon spread to other cities. Protesters began openly criticizing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and calling for broader political reforms. Support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s late shah, has become increasingly visible, particularly as crowds in Tehran and other major cities chanted his name.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), protests have been confirmed in 186 cities and towns across all 31 Iranian provinces. While the exact number of participants remains unclear, HRANA reports that over 10,000 protesters have been detained.
Government Response
Iranian authorities have responded with severe force. Reports indicate that security forces have deployed water cannons and live ammunition, leading to numerous deaths. Medics in Tehran have described hospitals as overwhelmed with both the dead and injured.
Iran’s judiciary has vowed “swift and harsh” punishment, instructing courts to show no leniency toward what it calls “rioters.” HRANA reports nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed since the unrest began. Among those reportedly killed are Amir Mohammad Koohkan, 26, a futsal coach and referee, and Rubina Aminian, 23, a Kurdish fashion student.
Footage verified by the BBC from a funeral in Tehran shows mourners chanting “Death to Khamenei,” reflecting widespread anger at the Supreme Leader.
Internet access across Iran has been largely cut off since Thursday, making independent verification difficult. While Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites provide some connectivity, authorities may still track users, limiting broader communication.
Iranian state media has suggested the protests are under control. On Monday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi claimed security forces had fully contained anti-government demonstrations. State television reported that supporters of the authorities had taken to the streets in solidarity against what the government called “terrorist actions.” The government also announced three days of mourning for those it described as “martyrs” in a “national battle against the US and Israel,” nations Tehran accuses of fomenting unrest.
Leadership and Political Context
Iran is ruled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over political and military decisions. The country’s parliament exists but is largely dominated by MPs loyal to Khamenei.
The Islamic Republic has governed Iran since the 1979 revolution, which overthrew the shah. Since then, the country has been run under strict Shia religious law. Criticism of the government is not tolerated, personal freedoms are restricted, and laws such as mandatory hijab rules for women have fueled repeated protests, including a major uprising in 2022.
Iran ranks among the highest in the world for executions and is frequently criticised for human rights violations. Relations with Western countries, particularly the US, have been fraught since the revolution. Washington accuses Iran of destabilizing the region through support for groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, while Tehran accuses the US of interference.
Sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program have further damaged the economy. Washington maintains that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons—a claim Iran denies—and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year have worsened tensions.
Trump’s Statements on Possible Action
Donald Trump has warned that the US is considering “very strong options” in response to the unrest. Speaking to journalists, he said Tehran had reached out to negotiate but implied that military action might precede any formal talks.
A US official told CBS that Trump has been briefed on potential military strikes. While the president has not detailed specific plans, reports suggest options could include supporting anti-government groups online, imposing additional sanctions, or using cyber-weapons against Iran’s military.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned that the country is fully prepared for war if attacked.
Challenges in Reporting
Independent reporting from inside Iran is extremely difficult. State-run media follow strict government guidelines, and journalists critical of authorities face harassment and persecution. Social media platforms are largely banned, and phone connections are unreliable.
Despite these restrictions, Iranians have used VPNs and satellite internet to communicate with foreign journalists, though the ongoing blackout has drastically reduced the flow of information. Starlink has enabled some connectivity, allowing limited reporting from inside the country.
The protests in 2026 are the largest since 2022, when demonstrations followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained for hijab violations. Human rights groups estimate that more than 550 people were killed and roughly 20,000 detained during those protests.
Mass protests across Iran have left hundreds dead and thousands arrested, raising questions about the future of the country’s ruling regime. The unrest began with economic grievances but has escalated into a broader political challenge. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iranian authorities continue to kill protesters.
Origins of the Protests
The unrest started on 28 December when shopkeepers in Tehran took to the streets to express outrage over a sharp decline in the Iranian rial against the US dollar. Over the past year, the currency has plummeted to record lows, while inflation has surged to around 40%, causing the prices of essential items like cooking oil and meat to soar. Economic sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program have compounded problems in an economy already weakened by government mismanagement and corruption.
University students quickly joined the demonstrations, which soon spread to other cities. Protesters began openly criticizing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and calling for broader political reforms. Support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s late shah, has become increasingly visible, particularly as crowds in Tehran and other major cities chanted his name.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), protests have been confirmed in 186 cities and towns across all 31 Iranian provinces. While the exact number of participants remains unclear, HRANA reports that over 10,000 protesters have been detained.
Government Response
Iranian authorities have responded with severe force. Reports indicate that security forces have deployed water cannons and live ammunition, leading to numerous deaths. Medics in Tehran have described hospitals as overwhelmed with both the dead and injured.
Iran’s judiciary has vowed “swift and harsh” punishment, instructing courts to show no leniency toward what it calls “rioters.” HRANA reports nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed since the unrest began. Among those reportedly killed are Amir Mohammad Koohkan, 26, a futsal coach and referee, and Rubina Aminian, 23, a Kurdish fashion student.
Footage verified by the BBC from a funeral in Tehran shows mourners chanting “Death to Khamenei,” reflecting widespread anger at the Supreme Leader.
Internet access across Iran has been largely cut off since Thursday, making independent verification difficult. While Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites provide some connectivity, authorities may still track users, limiting broader communication.
Iranian state media has suggested the protests are under control. On Monday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi claimed security forces had fully contained anti-government demonstrations. State television reported that supporters of the authorities had taken to the streets in solidarity against what the government called “terrorist actions.” The government also announced three days of mourning for those it described as “martyrs” in a “national battle against the US and Israel,” nations Tehran accuses of fomenting unrest.
Leadership and Political Context
Iran is ruled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over political and military decisions. The country’s parliament exists but is largely dominated by MPs loyal to Khamenei.
The Islamic Republic has governed Iran since the 1979 revolution, which overthrew the shah. Since then, the country has been run under strict Shia religious law. Criticism of the government is not tolerated, personal freedoms are restricted, and laws such as mandatory hijab rules for women have fueled repeated protests, including a major uprising in 2022.
Iran ranks among the highest in the world for executions and is frequently criticised for human rights violations. Relations with Western countries, particularly the US, have been fraught since the revolution. Washington accuses Iran of destabilizing the region through support for groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, while Tehran accuses the US of interference.
Sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program have further damaged the economy. Washington maintains that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons—a claim Iran denies—and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year have worsened tensions.
Trump’s Statements on Possible Action
Donald Trump has warned that the US is considering “very strong options” in response to the unrest. Speaking to journalists, he said Tehran had reached out to negotiate but implied that military action might precede any formal talks.
A US official told CBS that Trump has been briefed on potential military strikes. While the president has not detailed specific plans, reports suggest options could include supporting anti-government groups online, imposing additional sanctions, or using cyber-weapons against Iran’s military.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned that the country is fully prepared for war if attacked.
Challenges in Reporting
Independent reporting from inside Iran is extremely difficult. State-run media follow strict government guidelines, and journalists critical of authorities face harassment and persecution. Social media platforms are largely banned, and phone connections are unreliable.
Despite these restrictions, Iranians have used VPNs and satellite internet to communicate with foreign journalists, though the ongoing blackout has drastically reduced the flow of information. Starlink has enabled some connectivity, allowing limited reporting from inside the country.
The protests in 2026 are the largest since 2022, when demonstrations followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained for hijab violations. Human rights groups estimate that more than 550 people were killed and roughly 20,000 detained during those protests.
