Tehran – Anti-government demonstrations across Iran surged into their 13th day on Saturday, January 10, 2026, marking the most serious domestic challenge to the Islamic Republic's leadership since the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement. What started as outrage over a sharp currency devaluation and soaring living costs has evolved into widespread calls for regime change, with protesters openly chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and waving symbols of the pre-revolutionary era.
Crowds poured into streets in more than 50 cities and towns, from major hubs like Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz to smaller locations in pro-regime strongholds. Verified videos circulating on social media showed merchants shutting down the historic Tehran bazaar in solidarity, women burning photos of Khamenei, and groups setting fires to government buildings, including mosques in some areas. Slogans such as “Death to the dictator,” “This is the year of blood, Khamenei will be toppled,” and “This is the final battle, Pahlavi will return” echoed through the nights, often timed to coincide with calls from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for coordinated actions at 8 p.m. local time.
Security forces responded with heavy-handed tactics. Internet and phone networks faced near-total nationwide blackouts starting Thursday evening, severely limiting communication and the flow of information. Reports from human rights groups documented the use of tear gas, live ammunition, and raids on hospitals treating injured demonstrators. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed at least 42 deaths, including protesters and some security personnel, with over 2,200 arrests since late December. In Ilam province, footage of forces storming a hospital to detain wounded protesters drew international condemnation and prompted a government promise of investigation.
Khamenei, in recent public remarks, branded the demonstrators as “rioters” and “vandals” manipulated by the United States and Israel. He urged unity against what he called terrorist actions. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, speaking from exile, has repeatedly called for Iranians to take to the streets, prepare for seizing city centers, and even appealed directly to U.S. President Donald Trump for intervention to protect protesters.
Roots of the Crisis
The spark came on December 28, 2025, when the rial hit record lows against the dollar, exacerbating already crushing inflation, subsidy cuts, and economic hardship worsened by years of international sanctions. Unlike previous waves focused on specific triggers—like fuel prices in 2019 or the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022—this round has drawn broader participation across social classes, including bazaar traders, students, workers, and residents in rural areas.
The protests' spread and intensity reflect deep frustration with the theocracy's handling of the economy and its foreign policy, especially after recent regional conflicts. Chants praising the Pahlavi dynasty and monarchy have grown prominent, though analysts note the movement remains largely leaderless and decentralized.
Global Ripples and Reactions
The turmoil has immediate implications beyond Iran's borders. Oil prices have shown early volatility given Iran's role as a major producer; any escalation involving energy strikes could disrupt global supplies further. Gulf neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia, are watching closely while maintaining distance.
The United States, under newly returned President Trump, has issued strong statements of support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that “the United States supports the brave people of Iran.” Trump himself warned that Washington would “come to their rescue” if peaceful protesters faced lethal violence, though he has avoided direct commitments or meetings with Pahlavi so far. Israel has expressed sympathy, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting the Iranian people might be taking their fate into their own hands.
European nations, including France, have urged restraint and called for independent probes into reported abuses. The United Nations and groups like Amnesty International continue to demand access for human rights monitors, but the internet shutdown has made independent verification difficult.
What Analysts Are Saying
Experts on Iran describe the current moment as the regime's most vulnerable in years. The combination of economic collapse, generational anger, and visible cracks in internal cohesion has eroded legitimacy. Repression has contained past unrest, but sustained, multi-city mobilization—coupled with potential labor strikes—could change the equation.
Observers point out that while symbolic support from abroad boosts morale, historical patterns show outcomes depend more on internal dynamics: security force defections, elite divisions, or prolonged disruption. So far, the regime appears determined to hold firm, with warnings of harsh measures against those seen as serving foreign interests.
Uncertain Path Ahead
As the protests enter their second full week, the situation remains highly fluid. The blackout hinders organization, yet it has also fueled offline networks and creative defiance. Whether this wave fizzles under pressure or builds toward something larger will depend on endurance, coordination, and how the authorities balance repression with any concessions.
For now, the streets of Iran tell a story of a population that has grown tired of waiting for change—and the world is watching to see if this time, the pressure proves too much for the system to bear.
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