Overview
- Demonstrations that began over economic collapse have spread across much of Iran, with independent trackers logging hundreds of protest incidents in dozens of cities and provinces.
- Human rights monitors report at least 19 civilian deaths plus one security officer, while official tallies cite at least 12 fatalities and authorities acknowledge widespread clashes and arrests.
- President Donald Trump reiterated that Iran would be “hit very hard” if more protesters are killed, the State Department’s Farsi account posted warning messages, and Tehran accused the U.S. and Israel of incitement.
- Iran’s judiciary chief ordered prosecutors to show no leniency toward “rioters,” echoing Khamenei’s hard line, as President Masoud Pezeshkian advanced limited relief steps including a small monthly stipend starting January 10.
- India advised against non‑essential travel to Iran, regional outlets reported Iranian missile and air‑defense activity, and separate reports based on an intelligence source claimed Khamenei has a contingency plan to flee to Moscow.