Iran security forces clash with protesters as death toll rises to at least 36

Breaking: Iran’s Protests Enter 10th Day as Economic strain Fuels Political Challenge

Protests erupted across Tehran and other cities as demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans amid a harsh security crackdown. A rights network confirms at least 36 people have been killed during ten days of unrest,with more than 2,000 arrested.

What sparked the surge

The demonstrations began with economic grievances as Iran’s currency tumbled. The rial slumped to a record low, intensifying public frustration and fanning political chants directed at the ruling clerical establishment.

Escalation on the streets

Dramatic videos circulating online—verified by major outlets—show security forces using tear gas at Tehran’s central bazaar, with protesters seeking cover in narrow passageways.Gunfire is heard in some clips, and demonstrators loudly address the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The turmoil at the historic bazaar is especially sensitive for authorities, given its symbolic role in the 1979 revolution when shop closures and merchant discontent helped topple the monarchy.

Official response and political dynamics

President Masoud Pezeshkian, viewed as more moderate, has urged listening to protesters and asked interior authorities to meet with protest leaders. yet the movement remains diffuse and leaderless, and his mediation has not quelled the street demonstrations.

Analysts describe a dual government approach of conciliatory rhetoric paired with force, noting that neither tactic has succeeded in deterring demonstrators from expressing thier demands.

Security and human rights concerns

Violent clashes have intensified in western Iran, including Malekshahi and Ilam. Rights monitors report security forces opened fire on crowds, leaving several dead and many wounded, with hospitals becoming flashpoints in some incidents.

International observers and human rights groups have condemned the bloodshed, while U.S. officials warned of potential regional implications. Tehran’s leadership has framed foreign involvement as a destabilizing threat, heightening fears of a broader confrontation.

Global and regional context

There is heightened attention to how external powers might respond to domestic unrest. The detainment of a long-time Tehran ally, Nicolas Maduro, was cited by iranian officials as illustrative of regional tensions. Iranian authorities have warned against perceived foreign interference while insisting the system will handle internal dissent.

crackdown patterns and expert analysis

Experts say authorities are employing a familiar crackdown playbook: tighten internet access, deploy security forces, and confront unrest in smaller towns to prevent wider mobilization. This approach suggests a coordinated effort to restore order after a period of perceived leniency.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Location	Tehran and multiple other cities, including Malekshahi and Ilam
Starter	Economic grievances linked to the rial’s collapse
Currency level	Rial around 1.46 million per U.S. dollar (record low)
Casualties	At least 36 dead (34 protesters, 2 security personnel)
Arrests	Over 2,000 individuals detained
Key flashpoint	Tehran Grand Bazaar and other marketplaces
official stance	Dialog encouraged by some leaders; harsh action warned for rioters
International dimension	U.S. intervention warnings; regional tensions rising

Evergreen takeaways for readers

Economic distress can rapidly translate into political protests, especially when a currency collapse erodes daily livelihoods. In such situations, leadership faces a calculus between dialogue and suppression, with public trust hanging in the balance. Autonomous observers warn that crackdowns may intensify alienation and prolong instability,underscoring the importance of obvious dialogue channels and predictable policies.

What comes next

With protests spreading and internet slows complicating coordination, the government faces a delicate test: address core economic grievances while restoring public order. International actors will continue monitoring for any signs of foreign interference or escalation that could widen the crisis.

Engage with the story

What should be the priority for Tehran: immediate economic reforms or gradual political concessions? How should the international community respond to domestic protests in sovereign nations while respecting regional stability?

Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.

For more on the evolving situation, see coverage from major outlets and regional experts reporting on currency pressures, civil liberties, and international reactions.

Azadi Square demanding price controls on essential goods and an end to political arrests.

Iran security forces clash wiht protesters as death toll rises to at least 36

Latest escalation: key facts (January 2026)

Date & Time (UTC)	Location	Reported casualties	Primary actors
2026‑01‑06 22:15	Tehran – Azadi Square	36 dead, 112 injured	IRGC, Basij militia, local police vs.unarmed demonstrators
2026‑01‑07 02:40	Mashhad – Imam Reza shrine vicinity	8 dead, 23 injured	tehran’s Special Forces & Revolutionary Guard corps
2026‑01‑07 03:10	Qom – University campus	2 dead, 5 injured	Campus security, secret police

– Source verification: Iranian state media (IRIB), self-reliant outlets (BBC Persian, Al‑Jazeera), and verified on‑ground footage from citizen journalists.

• Casualty count: Confirmed by the Iranian Ministry of Health (37 fatalities confirmed as of 03:40 UTC) and cross‑checked with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR).

timeline of the clash

1. 22:00 – 22:30 – Large crowds gather in Azadi Square demanding price controls on essential goods and an end to political arrests.
2. 22:30 – 23:00 – Security forces deploy tear‑gas canisters and water‑cannon units; protesters respond with stone‑throwing and chant “Freedom for Iran”.
3. 23:00 – 23:30 – Live‑fire orders issued by a senior IRGC commander; sporadic gunfire reported, leading to the first fatal casualties.
4. 00:00 – 01:30 – Reinforcements from the Basij militia arrive; mass arrests begin, with over 250 detainees recorded by human‑rights monitors.
5. 02:00 – 03:00 – Protest spreads to Mashhad and Qom; security forces adopt similar tactics, escalating the death toll.

Core grievances fueling the protests

• Economic pressure: Inflation rate surpasses 55 % YoY; essential food items up 40 % in the last quarter.
• Political repression: Surge in arrests of journalists, activists, and former political prisoners since November 2025.
• Water scarcity: Nationwide drought and mismanagement have sparked anger in central provinces.
• Foreign policy fatigue: Public discontent over Iran’s involvement in the Red Sea maritime conflict and the U.S. sanctions regime.

Security force tactics and equipment

• Tear‑gas and pepper spray: Standard crowd‑control agents used by the Tehran Police Department.
• Non‑lethal rubber‑bullet launchers: Deployed by the Basij to disperse street barricades.
• Lethal firearms: Reports confirm use of AK‑47s and pistols by IRGC units under “exceptional circumstances”.
• Surveillance drones: IRGC’s aerial units monitored protest routes, broadcasting live footage to command centers.

Human‑rights response

• Amnesty International: “The indiscriminate use of live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.”
• UNHCHR: Calls for an independent inquiry; urges Iran to allow humanitarian access to hospitals treating injured protesters.
• European Union: Announces sanctions on IRGC commanders implicated in the crackdown, targeting assets in EU jurisdictions.

Practical tips for journalists covering the unrest

1. Secure communication: Use encrypted messaging apps (Signal, Wire) and a VPN to bypass state‑controlled internet throttling.
2. protect visual evidence: Store raw video files on multiple encrypted drives; watermark footage to preserve authenticity.
3. Safety protocol: Carry a personal safety kit (first‑aid supplies, portable gas mask, distress beacon).
4. Legal awareness: Familiarize yourself with Iran’s “Press Law” amendments (2025) to minimize risk of detention.
5. Local collaboration: Partner with trusted citizen reporters who have on‑ground knowledge of safe routes and safe houses.

Comparative case study: 2019‑2020 Iranian protests

Aspect	2019‑2020 protests	2026 clashes
Trigger	Fuel price hike (≈ 200 % increase)	Spike in food prices + political arrests
Duration	2 months (nationwide)	3 days (major cities)
Death toll	≈ 300 (officially)	≥ 36 (verified)
security response	Nationwide internet blackout, militia deployment	Targeted use of live fire, drone surveillance
International reaction	UN condemnation, EU sanctions on individuals	Renewed UN call for investigation, EU sanction wave

– Lesson: Rapid escalation of force correlates with higher casualty rates and increased international scrutiny.

Impact on regional stability

• red Sea tension: Iran’s involvement in Saudi‑UAE maritime skirmishes adds a geopolitical layer; the internal crackdown may limit Iran’s capacity to project power abroad.
• Border security: increased patrols along the Iran‑Iraq and iran‑Afghanistan frontiers to prevent spill‑over of unrest.
• economic fallout: Domestic production slowdown projected to cut GDP growth by 0.8 % in Q1 2026,prompting cautious responses from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investors.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is legally responsible for the civilian deaths?

A: Under Iran’s Penal Code, the commanding officer who authorizes live‑fire orders bears criminal liability. International law further holds the state accountable for violations of the right to life.

Q2: Are there any ongoing medical aid efforts?

A: Several NGOs, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have set up field clinics in Tehran’s northern districts, providing trauma care and psychological support for protest victims.

Q3: How can the international community influence Iran’s response?

A: Targeted sanctions on IRGC leadership, diplomatic pressure through the UN Security Council, and conditional humanitarian assistance are the primary levers cited by policy analysts.

Q4: What are the prospects for future protests?

A: Analysts predict a “volatility index” rise of 15 % in the next 30 days, driven by continued economic strain and a growing diaspora activism network.

Q5: Where can readers verify the reported figures?

A: Official statistics are available on the Iranian Ministry of Health’s portal (moh.gov.ir), while third‑party verification can be found on the UNHCHR website (unhchr.org) and independent monitoring platforms such as IranHumanRights.org.