Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and across at least 28 cities in a wave of anti-government demonstrations, now entering their twelfth day.

 The protests, sparked by a worsening economic crisis and falling living standards, have been marked by large crowds, clashes with security forces, and a nationwide internet blackout.

Protesters in northern provinces such as Mazandaran, Golestan, Ardabil and Baloch regions have staged large rallies, including in cities that have previously seen little unrest.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, vowed on Friday (9 January) that the Islamic Republic would not yield to ongoing protests and would resist any influence from foreign powers, in remarks broadcast on state television.

“Everyone should know that the Islamic Republic will not retreat,” he said, adding that the government “will not tolerate serving foreigners.”

Khamenei further warned that anyone perceived to be working for external forces would face rejection by both the Iranian people and the state, signalling a hardline stance as

The son of Iran’s late Shah, Reza Pahlavi, had called for demonstrations on Thursday (8 January), calling for coordinated nationwide action. Authorities responded by cutting internet and telephone access, limiting public communication amid escalating unrest.

Latest reports suggest, security forces of Iran’s Islamic regime have been forced to retreat in Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city. They are now confined to guarding a handful of government buildings, unable to stop protesters from setting police vehicles ablaze in the city centre.

At least 45 people, including eight children, have reportedly been killed and more than 2,000 detained since protests began on 28 December. Human rights groups say state forces have used live ammunition and carried out mass arrests, though numbers have not been independently verified.

In response to the unrest, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to strike Iran if government forces kill protesters.

“I have let them know that if they start killing people … we’re going to hit them very hard,” he said, warning that Iran would face severe consequences for targeting civilians.

• Iran plunged into nationwide internet blackout as protests intensify
• Trump warns Iran could be hit ‘very hard’ if protesters are killed
• Iran's Army chief warns against hostile rhetoric, vows response to threats

While protests initially centred on Tehran and other major cities, they have now spread to provinces inhabited by Kurds and Baloch following calls from local political parties.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Lebanon to meet officials, political and religious leaders, and economic representatives on Thursday (8 January), amid growing international attention.

The protests highlight widespread economic frustration, with rising prices, currency devaluation, and inflation driving public anger. Analysts say the demonstrations underscore deep crises in governance, social trust, and economic stability, though experts caution that without a clear political alternative, change is unlikely.

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