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12 January 2026|The Hindu
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International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Iran Protests: Rising Casualties and International Concerns Amid Crackdown

Iran faces growing unrest, rising casualties, and potential US military action.

Background Context

The roots of the current protests in Iran can be traced back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty and established a theocratic republic. The revolution was fueled by a complex mix of factors, including economic inequality, political repression, and resentment towards Western influence. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme religious leader, consolidated power, establishing a system where religious clerics held significant political authority. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) further solidified the regime's control, fostering a sense of national unity and justifying restrictions on political freedoms. The revolution's initial promises of social justice and economic equality have largely remained unfulfilled, leading to recurring waves of protests and dissent throughout the past decades.

Nationwide protests in Iran, challenging the theocracy, have continued for two weeks, with protesters flooding streets in Tehran and Mashhad. The internet and phone lines are largely cut off, making it difficult to gauge the extent of the demonstrations. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, 490 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed, and over 10,600 people have been arrested. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that U.S. military and Israeli assets would be legitimate targets if the U.S. strikes Iran. The New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump has been presented with military options for a strike on Iran but has not made a final decision. Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, distinguished between protests over economic hardship and "riots," condemning actions similar to those of terrorist groups.

Key Facts

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Protesters killed: 490

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Security personnel killed: 48

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People arrested: 10,600

Latest Developments

In recent years, Iran has faced increasing economic hardship due to international sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States following its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. These sanctions have significantly impacted Iran's oil exports and access to the global financial system, leading to high inflation, unemployment, and a decline in living standards. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these economic challenges. While the Biden administration has expressed interest in reviving the JCPOA, negotiations have stalled, and the future of the agreement remains uncertain. Domestically, there have been growing calls for political and economic reforms, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly connected to the outside world through social media and technology. The recent protests reflect this underlying discontent and the desire for greater freedoms and opportunities.

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