Overview
- State-backed rallies drew large crowds in Tehran and other cities, with President Pezeshkian attending and Ayatollah Khamenei sending a message warning U.S. politicians.
- Foreign Minister Araghchi told diplomats that security forces are controlling the situation and said he has been in contact with U.S. Middle East envoy Witkoff, with a possible meeting under consideration.
- President Trump warned of a strong response and planned a January 13 meeting with senior foreign and defense officials to consider options that include cyber operations and potential strikes, according to U.S. reporting.
- Other tallies differ, with one rights outlet reporting 503 protesters and 69 security personnel killed, underscoring uncertainty over the true toll.
- The unrest began December 28 with bazaar merchants protesting rising prices, has spread nationwide with calls for regime change and arson reported, and experts say the prospect of regime collapse remains unclear.