Largest Protests in Years Sweep Through Iran’s Capital
Core event: Nationwide protests erupted in Iran starting late December 2025, triggered by economic collapse including a record-low rial and high inflation, escalating into the largest demonstrations in years by early January 2026. By January 8, they swept Tehran's capital and all 31 provinces, with chants of "Death to Khamenei," "Long live the shah," and strikes by oil workers, truckers, merchants, and students; a violent crackdown killed at least 65-2571 (estimates vary), injured hundreds via gunshots, and led to 2,311+ arrests amid internet blackouts.[1][2][3][5]