Overview
- Security forces fired tear gas at crowds at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and elsewhere as demonstrations that began over economic pain spread across dozens of cities.
- The rights network HRANA reports at least 36 people killed, including minors, and more than 2,000 arrests since Dec. 28, with varying tallies from other groups.
- Videos verified by major outlets show increasingly forceful tactics, including raids on hospitals in Ilam and a separate incident under review in Hasanabad.
- The rial fell to roughly 1.46–1.47 million per US dollar, underscoring the economic shock that triggered the unrest despite the new $7 monthly payout to most households.
- After President Trump warned of possible US action, army chief Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami vowed a robust response to external threats, while exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged coordinated chants on Jan. 8–9.