Overview
- A rights network, HRANA, reports at least 36 deaths since the Dec. 28 start of protests and more than 2,000 arrests, with other groups citing slightly lower tallies.
- Verified videos show security forces firing tear gas and pellets at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, with gunshots heard as crowds scattered into alleyways.
- Hengaw reported security forces stormed Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam to seize the wounded, a raid condemned by Amnesty, and President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered an inquiry.
- Demonstrations have been documented in at least 17 provinces, including Qom and Mashhad, after the rial fell to roughly 1.46–1.47 million per U.S. dollar on the black market.
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that ‘rioters’ must be put in their place, the judiciary vowed no leniency, the government outlined modest relief with subsidy changes set for Jan. 10, and exiled figures urged coordinated actions as the NCRI claimed gains in two Ilam towns and President Trump’s warning drew a sharp response from Tehran.