The protests that started in Iran in December 2025 have now spread across the country. These demonstrations have reached more than 100 cities and have become the biggest challenge against the government of Iran. This is considered to be the biggest protest after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. This situation is very important for India because many of India’s strategic and economic interests are linked to Iran.

Why are there protests in Iran?

The demonstrations in Iran started mainly due to economic problems. People are angry with the huge fall of the Iranian currency (Rial), inflation, unemployment and rising prices of food items. It started from the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, where shopkeepers went on strike.

Soon these demonstrations became political and slogans started being raised against the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. There is a big participation of women and youth in this. There have been thousands of deaths and thousands of arrests so far due to the action of security forces. There is also an internet blackout, making it difficult to get information.

Why is Iran important for India?

India and Iran have strong strategic and trade relations…

• Chabahar Port: India has invested 500 million dollars (about Rs 4,000 crore) in this port. This port gives India access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, Russia and Europe by bypassing Pakistan. This is a major part of India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy. The work of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line connected to Chabahar is going to be completed by mid-2026.
• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Through Iran, goods reach India, Russia and Europe quickly and cheaply. This reduces time by 40% and expenses by 30%.
• Oil and trade: Despite US sanctions, India has been importing oil from Iran. Besides, goods like dry fruits and rice are exported. Iran is a big trading partner of India.

Apart from this, Iran is an important ally of India on forums like BRICS and SCO.

Can the protests benefit or harm India?

If instability in Iran leads to the formation of a new government that wants stronger ties with India, the Chabahar and INSTC projects could be expedited. Business may increase. But-

• Instability may delay the Chabahar project. The work of railway line and port may stop.
• There may be a global increase in oil prices, due to which oil will become expensive for India.
• US sanctions (CAATSA) may be activated again as before.
• China can get benefit because it is working on Gwadar port of Pakistan. It is just 170 km away from Chabahar.
• Export of Basmati rice from India to Iran has stopped, due to which exporters’ money may get stuck and farmers may be affected.
• Thousands of Indians (especially students) are stranded in Iran. The Government of India has issued a travel advisory and asked to keep in touch with the embassy.

What is the reaction of the Indian government on the situation in Iran?

The Indian government is keeping an eye on the situation in Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian citizens to stay away from the protest areas and stay in touch with the embassy. India has insisted on maintaining relations with Iran, but is currently adopting a ‘wait and watch’ policy.

Overall, these ongoing protests in Iran are challenging for India. Projects like Chabahar and INSTC are very important for India’s regional reach. If the situation becomes normal soon then it will be fine, otherwise there may be economic and strategic loss in the long run.

Iran Protests LIVE: The crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran is becoming increasingly intense. According to human rights organizations, thousands of people have been killed so far and a large number of arrests have been made. In view of the situation, pressure is increasing at the international level, while India has also issued advisory for its citizens.

AFP quoted Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO as saying that at least 3,428 protesters have died so far in the crackdown on demonstrations in Iran and more than 10,000 people have been arrested. According to IHR, 3,379 of these deaths occurred between 8 and 12 January, when the demonstrations were at their peak.

talks between india and iran

On Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met India’s Foreign Minister S. Spoke to Jaishankar on phone. Jaishankar wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, ‘Received a call from Iran’s Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the changing situation in and around Iran.

Advisory for Indian citizens

In view of the worsening situation in Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an advisory on Wednesday. In this, an appeal has been made to Indian citizens living in Iran to leave the country through available means, especially commercial flights. The Embassy has asked Indian citizens and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) to exercise utmost caution, stay away from demonstration or protest areas and remain in touch with the Indian Embassy. Besides, it has also been advised to keep an eye on the local media.

Meanwhile, news of the hanging of an anti-government protestor in Iran has come to light on Wednesday. This is believed to be the first reported hanging since the beginning of the protests. Irfan Sultani, 26, was arrested on January 8 during demonstrations in the Fardiyas area of ​​western Tehran. According to Iran International report, he has been sentenced to death. Sources close to his family gave this information to the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights Organization.

Tension increased between America and Iran

International pressure is increasing regarding strict action on protests in Iran. There is also a heated exchange of words between the Iranian government and US President Donald Trump on this issue. Trump appealed to Iranian citizens to continue protesting and said help was on the way. The Iranian government reacted strongly to his statement and alleged that the US President was trying to spread political instability, incite violence and endanger the country’s sovereignty.

How did the demonstrations start?

These protests started in Iran at the end of December. Initially people took to the streets against the deteriorating economy and inflation, but soon these demonstrations also turned against the religious ruling system of the country. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was especially targeted.

After US President Donald Trump’s threat amid the ongoing nationwide movement in Iran, sounds of war have started being heard in the Middle East. Trump is repeatedly threatening military action in Iran, while Tehran has warned neighboring countries that help America that if Washington attacks, it will attack American bases in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy in India said that America is continuously breaking the rules in tariff and other matters.

Remaining silent does not reduce the threat: Iran

The Iranian Embassy posted on Twitter that the silence of countries on America’s continuous breaking of rules does not reduce the danger, but increases it. The Iranian Embassy said, ‘America has taken several unilateral actions against the existing global order, including imposing unfair tariffs and withdrawing from 66 international institutions. By doing this, America has pushed the world towards breaking global rules. The silence and inaction of countries does not reduce these threats, but rather increases them. Sooner or later, all countries will have to suffer the consequences of these policies, no matter their size or economic power.

Unilateral actions by the United States against the existing global order — including the imposition of unfair tariffs and its withdrawal from 66 international institutions — have pushed the world toward a breakdown of global norms. Silence and inaction by countries do not…

— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) January 14, 2026

Talks between the Foreign Ministers of India and Iran

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke on phone with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday and discussed the changing situation in and around that country. After the conversation, Jaishankar said on social media platform X, ‘Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the changing situation in and around Iran.

Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. @araghchi

We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran.

—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 14, 2026

Bleeding on our streets: Abbas Araghchi

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on Twitter and said, ‘Israel has always been trying to drag America into wars on its side, but the surprising thing is that this time they are saying their suppressed things openly. There is blood flowing on our streets and Israel is openly claiming that it provided real weapons to the protesters and this is the reason for the deaths of hundreds of people. President Trump should now know exactly where to go to stop the killings.

Israel has always sought to drag the US into fighting wars on its behalf. But remarkably, this time they are saying the quiet part out loud.

With blood on our streets, Israel is explicitly gloating about having “armed protesters with live weapons” and “this is the reason for… pic.twitter.com/UomtRlSsR6

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 14, 2026

India asked its citizens to leave Iran

India on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) has asked all its citizens living in Iran to leave that country through available means and avoid traveling there. The Indian Embassy in Iran has issued a new advisory asking Indian citizens including students, pilgrims, businessmen and tourists present there to leave the country using available means of transport including commercial flights in view of the changing situation.

The Embassy has asked all Indian citizens and People of Indian Origin (PIOs) to exercise caution, avoid areas with protests or rallies and remain in touch with the Indian Embassy. Indian citizens were also urged to keep their travel and immigration documents ready, including passports. Indians living in Iran on resident visa were also advised to register at the embassy.

America withdrawing troops from Qatar airbase

America started withdrawing some of its troops and personnel from Al-Udeid Air Base, its most important military base in Qatar. Iran has warned that if America attacks, they will target American military bases in countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.

Tension between Iran and America has increased significantly, due to which direct contact between the officials of the two countries has been broken. According to news agency Reuters, talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been completely suspended.

This report has come in the wake of President Donald Trump’s threats of intervention amid the strict crackdown on protests in Iran. Tehran has threatened that if it is attacked, it will retaliate against US military bases located in the region.

Iran threatened to attack American military bases

America, along with European countries and Israel, was trying to reach a deal on Iran’s nuclear program for the last one year. However, Iranian officials indicated that increased tensions had eliminated any possibility of progress. He said US threats undermine diplomatic efforts and potential meetings between the two officials to find a diplomatic solution to the decades-old nuclear dispute have been cancelled.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of protesters in Iran. An Iranian official said on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) that Tehran has warned neighboring countries that help American troops that if Washington attacks, it will attack American targets. According to the report, some employees were advised to leave the main American airport located in the Middle East.

Indian citizens should leave Iran immediately: MEA

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had issued an advisory asking its citizens to leave Iran immediately. MEA said that Indian citizens present there should exercise caution and avoid going to protests or rallies. Apart from this, the Ministry of External Affairs has asked its citizens to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Iran and keep the necessary documents ready.

‘Your help is on the way’, Trump told the protesters

Had posted in support of the American protesters and asked them to continue their protest. Your help is also on the way. He appealed to the protesters to occupy their institutions. Write down the names of murderers and torturers. They will have to pay a heavy price for this. I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killings of protesters stop.

Iran has been boiling for the last 20 days. Millions of people are on the streets against the country’s supreme religious leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Thousands of people have died. Trump has also interfered in this. America has come with the protesters. Iran’s President Masoud Pajshekian himself is giving statements in support of the protesters. Despite this, no coup has taken place in Iran and there are no remote chances of it taking place.

After all, why is the ongoing protest in Iran against Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei not becoming so fatal that Khamenei bows down? After all, what power does Khamenei have that is saving him? After all, what were the circumstances in 1979 that in similar demonstrations, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led to Islamic revolution in Iran by overthrowing Shah Reza Pahlavi. After all, what is the difference between then and now?

From the beginning of the year 2024, the people of Iran started getting worried due to rising inflation, falling prices of Rial, disrupted supply of electricity and gas. There was also a shortage of water, which made life difficult for the people. The remaining work was completed during the conflict between America and Iran, when Iran’s nuclear plant was destroyed in the American attack.

What slogans were echoing on the streets of Iran?

After this, Iran became so economically weak that the people there came out on the streets. It started on 28 December 2025 from Tehran, the capital of Iran, where shopkeepers started protesting in the Grand Bazaar which gradually reached the university. Although initially these demonstrations were of very small scale. In this, among the anti-government slogans, another slogan started rising “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, My Life for Iran”,

That means neither Gaza nor Lebanon is concerned. We are Iranians and we should be concerned only with Iran. This slogan was raised because Iran had included itself in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Iran was waging an indirect war against Israel through the Lebanese group Hezbollah and whatever the price was, ordinary Iranians were paying it, so they separated themselves from other countries and gave a slogan. “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, My Life for Iran”

Within a week, first the big cities of Iran and then the whole of Iran came out on the streets for the movement. The demands of the protesters changed and now people started demanding independence from Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Then the Iranian army also came down on the road. On the orders of Khamenei, the Iranian army started taking action, started using sticks and when things did not work out, they started firing bullets also.

Death toll crosses 3 thousand

According to the Iranian government, 2500 people have died in army firing, while different figures put the death toll between 3 thousand and 10 thousand. More than 100 army personnel have also been murdered by the mob, after which even more strictness is being imposed on the protesters and for some protesters, the death penalty has also been decided by hanging without any trial.

The attitude of President Masoud Pajshekian himself has also changed and he has started talking about accepting the protesters. Trump himself is instigating the protesters and saying that they should capture government buildings of Iran, America will help in this and that help is on the way. Reza Pahlavi, the son of Shah Reza Pahlavi, who overthrew the Islamic Revolution and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini started ruling Iran, is also advising the Iranian army to join the protesters.
However, despite this massacre, there has not been even an iota of difference in the health of Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei. There are some selected reasons for this, which even America cannot ignore, hence it is avoiding direct action.

1. Who is the leader of the protesters inside Iran?

This is the biggest question, due to which the answer is not being found, the health of Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei is not being affected. Because the leaders of the Iranian protesters are both inside and outside Iran and there is no coordination between them. No one knows who is leading the protests where they are taking place, i.e. in Iran. Even if Khamenei leaves power, no one knows who among these protesters will take over the power of Iran.

The reason for this is that whenever there have been demonstrations in Iran and someone has tried to become their leader, he has been crushed by the Iranian government in such a way that he has never been able to emerge. For example, in June 2009, when demonstrations took place in Iran right after the victory of then President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mir-Hossein Mosavi became the leader of that demonstration.

Mosavi had previously been the Prime Minister of Iran and was himself a presidential candidate in the 2009 elections, but when Mosavi lost the election, he refused to accept the election results. When the demonstrations started, he became its leader and then in February 2011, he was taken into custody. He was put under house arrest and since then till today he has not been able to come out of the house arrest.

Another leader of this movement was Mahdi Karroubi. He also participated in the protest by refusing to accept the election results. In 2011, he was also put under house arrest, but after 14 years, in March 2025, the Iranian Army has removed his house arrest. Both these examples are witness to the fact that if anyone emerges as a leader in the ongoing protests in Iran, he will meet the same fate as Mosavi or Karroubi, that is why everyone is protesting.

People are gathering through networking. Internet is banned so the crowd is gathering in different groups. There are groups of students, there are groups of businessmen, there are groups of shopkeepers, everyone is coming out on the road in small groups and the crowd is getting bigger. People are also joining the movement by connecting with each other through the gaming app Discord, but they do not have any universally accepted leader. Therefore, Ayatollah Khamenei is not making any difference.

2. Who is the leader of the protesters outside Iran?

No one has any correct answer to this question either. Yes, there is a name, which is communicating with the people of Iran through media and social media, whose name is Reza Pahlavi. Reza Pahlavi is the son of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the Sultan of Iran. When the Islamic Revolution took place in 1979, this same Raza Shah Pahlavi had fled Iran during the movement. Then Ayatollah Khomeini started his rule over Iran. Raza Pahlavi is the son of Raza Shah Pahlavi, who is living in exile in America. He is running the Iran National Council while staying in America.

America also wants Reza Pahlavi and Raza also has the support of Israel, but it is not yet decided that if the Khamenei rule ends, monarchy will return in Iran and Reza Pahlavi will become the new king. Because the Republican and left groups in Iran are opposing Khamenei as well as Reza Pahlavi. In such a situation, Ayatollah Hosseini Khamenei is not able to see Reza Pahlavi as a problem for himself.

3. Who is the leader of Mujahids of Iran?

There is also an organization of Mujahideen in Iran, whose name is People’s Mujahideen Organization. Its Persian name is Mujahideen-e-Khalq Organization. In short form it is also called MEK or MKO. This is the leftist organization of Iran, which also carried out bombings in the movement against Shah Reza Pahlavi in ​​1979. Even when America intervened in Iran in the 70s, these Mujahids fought against America, but they were never contenders for power. Because during the war between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s, this organization supported Iraq and the common people of Iran can never forgive Mujahideen-e-Khalq for this.

The leader of this group has been Masood Razavi, who was exiled from Iran and first went to France and then to Iraq. He has never been seen for the last 20 years. His wife Maryam Razavi is running an organization regarding Iran which is being called National Council of Resistance, but its reach is limited to western countries like France and Albania.

There are other small groups that are involved in the protests or have been involved in the protests in the past, but there is no Pan-Iran acceptance of them that Ayatollah Khamenei would be in any danger from them. For example, in 2022, when the Iranian police killed Mahsa Amini in the Hijab controversy in Iran, after that the Iranian people sitting outside Iran formed a front which was named Secular Democratic Republic in Iran.

Story of coup in Iran

This front advocated separation of religion and state, advocated free elections, established an impartial judiciary and media, but the people of Iran did not recognize this front and this front could not do anything. Rest of the people in Iran are some Kurds, some Baloch, some people from Azerbaijan. They all have their own groups, but they are not in a position to have any influence on the power of Iran. As a result, Khamenei is relaxed on their behalf.

Now the question is what happened in 1979 that just a few days after the beginning of the movement, Shah had to flee and there was a coup in Iran. In fact, even though Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was in exile at that time, he was also the only hero of the revolution about whom there was no doubt in Iran. Another major reason was the health of Sultan Mohammad Raza Shah Pahlavi, due to which his activity had reduced. He was suffering from cancer at that time and had to leave Iran again and again for treatment. During the protest, Raza Shah Pahlavi went abroad for treatment, due to which no attempt was made to crush the movement.

The police of Iran were maintaining social order. The army which was engaged in protecting the border. Shah’s intelligence organization SAVAK was trying to suppress the movement, but it was not effective and when Shah went abroad, no one tried to suppress the movement. Everyone just had to do their own thing and then what was supposed to happen happened. When Khomeini returned to Tehran, a crowd of millions of people gathered and the Shah was overthrown in Iran.

Khamenei does not have the option to leave Iran

Whereas despite being old, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei’s hold not only on the intelligence system but also on the army and police remains intact. After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the system in Iran was made such that the entire power of the army was concentrated in the office of the supreme religious leader i.e. Ali Khamenei.

The bigger thing is that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does not have the option of fleeing the country like Reza Shah Pahlavi, because Ayatollah Ali Khamenei not only represents Iran but he also represents a large section of Islam, Shia. Rohella Khomeini, who has been replaced by Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, had gained power in Iran through the Islamic Revolution.

If Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei leaves Iran in the meantime to save his life, then a different message will be sent to the entire Islamic world and in the Islamic world divided between Shia and Sunni, it will again be said that the leader of Shia Muslims, who called himself the leader of Islam as well, who called himself the Rahbar-e-Inquilab of Iran, has left the war and run away.

Why is Khamenei not bowing down to American threats?

At the last stage of his life, when Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei has turned 86, he does not want to stick such a stain on his forehead. In such a situation, even in the face of war, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei would prefer martyrdom instead of running away to be recorded in history and this is what he is saying, even if he is not giving the reason for this.

This is the reason why even at this stage of his age he is not bowing down to the American threat. He is saying that Iran is ready for war and he is ready to sacrifice his life in this war, but despite so much rhetoric, Trump is not directly interfering in Iran. They are waiting.

The wait is that if Khamenei leaves on his own or if he is killed in the war, then who will take his place. Because Khamenei’s last day will also be the last day of Iran being an Islamic Republic and without deciding what will happen to Iran after that, Trump will try to keep himself away from Iran.

Yes, the spark will keep burning. Trump will continue to fan that spark, but from a distance. Because there is a danger of getting burnt in the fire that will come out of that spark and Trump, apart from being the American President, is also a businessman who never plays with risks.

The fear of ongoing nationwide protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran has started troubling Pakistan too. Pakistan feels that if there is an external attack on Iran, Islamabad will also not remain untouched by its impact. Israel and America are continuously threatening Iran with attacks.

‘Pakistan could be Israel’s next target’

Pakistani journalist and political analyst Najam Sethi told Dunya News that Pakistan’s nuclear program is completely India-centric. He said that Pakistan’s nuclear weapon is not an Islamic bomb nor is it targeted at America or Israel. However, on the current political situation in Iran, he warned that Pakistan will have to face international pressure because Israel will not remain silent. He further said, ‘I do not expect whether America or Israel will be completely successful in Iran, but if they succeed then Pakistan could be Israel’s next target.’

Fear of Netanyahu in Pakistan

According to Najam Sethi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly said that he does not want Pakistan or any Islamic country to have nuclear weapons. He also exposed Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. After the defeat at the hands of India in Operation Sindoor, Munir and Shahbaz Sharif started serving lies to their people. Najam Sethi accepted the truth that Pakistan cannot compete with India in a conventional war.

PAK commentator’s statement regarding nuclear weapons

He said that Pakistan can abandon its nuclear policy of no first use because it cannot stop India through conventional means. He said that Pakistan has not yet signed the important nuclear deal ‘No First Use’ (NFU) with India. According to Najam Sethi, as long as Pakistan has nuclear weapons, it will have to face international pressure because there is a fear at the global level that we can share nuclear technology with other Gulf countries.

According to the report of news agency Reuters, about 2000 people have been killed in the protests taking place in Iran. Authorities in Iran eased some restrictions on Tuesday (13 January 2026), allowing residents there to make international phone calls via mobile networks for the first time in several days.

The nationwide protests that have been going on in Iran for the last two weeks have once again drawn the world’s attention towards the Middle East. This movement, which was born out of the poor economic condition of Iran, is now adamant on ousting the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from power. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has responded to the statement of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in which he said that the Khamenei-led Iranian government is in its last days.

Germany should not speak on the issue of human rights: Araghchi

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the issue and wrote on X, ‘The German government has no right to raise human rights issues. The reason for this is that Germany has completely destroyed its credibility by adopting double standards in the last few years. When we defeat the terrorists who are killing Iranian people and police officers, the German Chancellor immediately declares that violence is a sign of weakness. Then what does he have to say about Merz’s full support for the mass massacre of 70 thousand Palestinians in Gaza?

Of all governments, the one in Germany is perhaps the worst placed to address “human rights”. The reason is simple: its blatant double-standards over the past years have obliterated any shred of credibility.

When Iran defeats terrorists who kill civilians and police officers,… pic.twitter.com/0tvkFTYecM

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 13, 2026

Germany’s speech irrational: Iranian foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi said, ‘Last year Israel bombed homes and businesses in our country, which was highly appreciated by Germany. Our people remember that too. Recently America kidnapped the head of state of a country and Germany remained silent on it. Germany’s speech on human rights is irrational because they themselves have not followed it.

‘Do me a favor, have a little shame’

Taking a dig at the German Chancellor, Abbas Araghchi said, ‘Do us all a favor… have some shame. It would be better if Germany stops its illegal interference in our territories, which also includes supporting genocide and terrorism.

2000 people died in Iran Protest

According to the report of news agency Reuters, about 2000 people were killed in the protests taking place in Iran. Authorities in Iran eased some restrictions on Tuesday (13 January 2026), allowing residents there to make international phone calls via mobile networks for the first time in several days. However, authorities did not restore internet and text messaging services.

Iran Anti Khamenei Protests: A big and worrying news has come to light amid the ongoing protests against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. It is being told that for the first time, death penalty can be given in a case related to these demonstrations. According to reports, 26-year-old Irfan Soltani is set to be hanged and this punishment can be implemented on Wednesday.

Irfan Soltani is a resident of Fardis area of ​​Karaj city near Tehran. He was arrested on January 8 for participating in the demonstration against Khamenei. Human rights organizations and media say that the date of his death sentence has been fixed and it can be executed any time now.

Death sentence for the first time

The death penalty has been used in Iran before to suppress protests, but in most cases people were shot to death. This is said to be the first case of hanging during the current protests.

Fast trial and atmosphere of fear?

According to reports by Israeli and US-based news outlet Jfeed, Soltani’s case could be the beginning of faster sentences. The report says that the Iranian government wants to stop further demonstrations by taking such strict action.

Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, a Kurdish human rights organization registered in Norway, has raised serious questions about the legal process in this case. The organization says that transparency has not been maintained in the entire process.

Accused of being deprived of legal rights

According to reports, after his arrest, Irfan Soltani was not given a chance to meet his lawyer and explain himself. His family was also kept away from important information about the case, it was not even clearly told which agency arrested him.

Quoting the Hangau organization, Zafid said that Soltani’s family was informed about his death sentence on January 11. After this the family was allowed to meet him only for 10 minutes. A source close to the family said that the authorities have made it clear that the punishment is final and will be implemented in due course.

Even the lawyer sister did not get permission

According to sources, Soltani’s sister, herself a licensed lawyer, tried to pursue the case through legal channels. But he was not allowed to see the case file, represent his brother or challenge the sentence.

Lebanese-Australian businessman Mario Noufal has claimed on social media platform X that around 2,000 people have died so far in the current protests. He said that the government wants to control the crowd by using fear.

Why did the protests erupt?

This new wave of protests in Iran started in late December 2025. The reason for this is said to be serious economic crisis. People are troubled by the sharp fall in the value of the Iranian currency Riyal, inflation and rising prices of everyday items.

The demonstrations initially started in the markets of Tehran, but soon spread to other cities. Shopkeepers, students and common people came out on the streets. Now this movement has become one of the largest anti-government movements in the country, in which people are demanding reforms and an end to the rule of religious leadership.

Demonstrations challenging Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been going on for the past several days. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned Khamenei and said that America is ready to help Iran. What will Tehran do if America conducts airstrike in Iran under the guise of protests? Its blueprint has been revealed.
The speaker of Iran’s parliament warned that if the US attacks the Islamic Republic as President Donald Trump has threatened, Tehran will target the US military and Israel. Kalibaf made this threat when MPs in the Iranian Parliament climbed onto the stage shouting slogans of ‘Down with America’.

People living abroad fear that the Internet blockade will embolden radicals within Iran’s security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Even though Trump has warned that he is ready to attack Iran to protect peaceful protesters.

America is ready to help Iran: Trump

Trump supported the protesters and said on social media, ‘Iran may be looking at a freedom never seen before. America is ready to help. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal quoted officials as saying on Saturday night that Trump had been given military options to attack Iran, but he had not yet taken any final decision.

“Don’t mess with President Trump,” the State Department warned separately. When he promises to do something, he promises to complete it.

Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live. In his speech, Qalibaf, a hardline leader, praised the police and Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, particularly its volunteer Basij, for “standing firm” during the protests. Let us tell you that Kalibaf himself has contested the presidential elections in Iran.

What will Iran do if America attacks?

He directly described Israel as an occupied territory and threatened the American army. “In the event of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories and all US military centers, bases and ships located in the region will be our legitimate targets,” Qalibaf said. He said that we do not limit ourselves to reacting after an attack and will take action based on any concrete indication of threat.
Meanwhile, Israel is ‘closely monitoring’ the situation between America and Iran. According to news agency AP, Israeli official said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talked to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio throughout the night on many topics including Iran.

Raza Pahlavi appealed to the protesters

Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who had called for protests on Thursday and Friday, in his new message urged protesters to take to the streets on Sunday. He urged protesters to “assert their right to public spaces” by carrying Iran’s old lion and sun flag and other national symbols used during the Shah’s reign.

When did the protests start in Iran?

Demonstrations began on December 28 in protest against the huge fall in the value of Iran’s currency, the Rial. The value of the rial is more than 1.4 million per dollar and the country’s economy is deeply affected by international sanctions related to the nuclear program. The protests intensified and turned into a demand for a direct challenge to Iran’s religious authority.

The protests of common people against inflation and unemployment in Iran have entered the 14th day. One by one, voices are being raised against the Khamenei government from every corner of the country. It has also been 60 hours since the internet blackout. Meanwhile, the political circle of Tehran is quite angry with America’s warning. The Speaker of Parliament has responded to US President Donald Trump’s warning with a threat.

Iran’s parliament speaker warned that if the US attacks the Islamic Republic, the US military and Israel will be the targets. Kalibaf made this threat when MPs in the Iranian Parliament ran towards the stage and raised anti-American slogans. Iranian state television broadcast the parliament session live.

Who is Kalibaf, who gave a befitting reply to Trump?

Kalibaf is a radical leader and has previously contested the presidential election. He praised the police and Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard for remaining steadfast during the demonstrations. He said, ‘The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the harshest manner and punish those arrested.’

Iran’s response to Trump’s threat

He directly threatened Israel by calling it an occupied territory. He said, ‘In the event of an attack on Iran, the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets.’

According to The Times of Israel, Israel is on high alert in view of the possibility of US interference in the ongoing anti-government movement in Iran. At the same time, the duration of internet ban has also increased. Internet monitor NetBlocks says the nationwide internet shutdown in Iran has lasted more than 60 hours amid anti-government protests.

Movement turned violent: IRGC

According to IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News, the protests have turned extremely violent. Protesters broke into the judiciary complex in Mamasani County in Iran’s Fars province on Saturday night and set fire to a guard post.

County Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor Hassan Elahi said several rooms inside the courthouse were set on fire and the fire had spread from the ground floor to the first floor before security forces arrived and dispersed the crowd.

Trump threatened Iran!

US President Donald Trump threatened Khamenei and said that America is ready to help Iran. He posted on Truth Social on Sunday (January 11) saying, ‘Iran is probably looking towards independence and said that America is ready to help.’