Overview
- Rights groups say at least 36 people have been killed and more than 2,000 arrested since demonstrations began on Dec. 28, while authorities cite deaths among security forces.
- Verified footage shows rallies in scores of cities across a majority of provinces, including Qom and Mashhad, with Wednesday marked by some outlets as the largest day so far.
- Security forces fired tear gas at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and rights monitors reported live fire and a raid on a hospital in Ilam province during recent clashes.
- Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned of “no leniency” toward those aiding “the enemy,” and army chief Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami threatened a response to President Donald Trump’s intervention warning.
- The government began depositing roughly $7 per person in monthly payments as economic relief, while exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged synchronized chants on Jan. 8–9.