Overview
- The unrest has entered an 11th day, with verified protests and strikes spreading from Tehran’s Grand Bazaar to scores of cities across most provinces, including traditionally loyal centers such as Mashhad and Qom.
- HRANA reports at least 36 deaths and over 2,000 arrests, while Iran Human Rights cites at least 27 killed and more than 1,000 detained, figures that remain disputed by officials who acknowledge security-force deaths.
- Security forces have fired tear gas and, according to activists and verified videos, used live rounds in western provinces, with raids reported at hospitals in Ilam and at Tehran’s Sina Hospital as the president ordered an inquiry and the Health Ministry said the latter incident is under review.
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei signaled a tougher line and the judiciary chief warned of no leniency, while Iran’s army chief vowed to answer any external aggression after President Donald Trump threatened Iran would be hit very hard if more protesters are killed.
- The currency slid to roughly 1.47 million rials per dollar as shopkeeper shutdowns persisted, and the government announced monthly cash payments of about $7 starting January 10 alongside promised economic reforms, which have not stemmed the protests.