Jan 11, 2026, 3:34 p.mJan 11, 2026, 3:34 p.m
What’s new?
The mass protests in Iran continue despite growing death tolls, excessive threats from the security apparatus and an almost complete internet shutdown. Activists say demonstrations have spread to 185 cities. External communication is severely restricted due to internet blocks and blocked telephone lines.
Demonstrations in the Iranian capital Tehran.Image: keystone
How many deaths are there?
Iranian activists say they have so far documented the names of 192 people killed in the mass protests in the country. The human rights network HRANA, based in the USA, reported that at least 2,600 people had been arrested in the mass protests that had been going on for almost two weeks.
However, the actual death toll is likely to be higher. The Iranian authorities have almost completely blocked access to the Internet for the population. People also report on X that phone lines stopped working. Communication with the outside world is only possible via the Starlink satellite system, provided that the necessary terminals have been brought into the country illegally.
Large crowd of demonstrators on the street
Video: watson/x/duezentekkal
What does the Iranian government say?
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused the protest movement of wanting to create a basis for US military intervention. However, the “enemies” must know that the country’s defenders would destroy them, said Qalibaf, according to a translation by the Iranian propaganda channel Press TV.
He described the demonstrations as a “terrorist war” against Iran staged by the USA. Qalibaf threatened that any US attack would lead to retaliatory strikes against regional US military bases and Israel.
How does the USA react?
Shortly beforehand, US President Donald Trump had assured the participants of the mass protests against the government in Iran of support. «Iran is striving for FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA is ready to help!!!,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. It is unclear what the help will look like.
US President Donald Trump is apparently considering military strikes in Iran.Image: keystone
The New York Times reported, citing US officials, that Trump had been informed in recent days about new options for military strikes in Iran. He is seriously considering carrying out his threat to attack the country for suppressing the protests.
Iran expert Ali Vaez pointed out a dilemma on If they do too much, they could potentially destroy everything, with unforeseeable consequences for everyone.”
What is the Shah’s son planning?
Reza Pahlavi, son of the Shah who was overthrown in 1979, called for further demonstrations. «I ask you all to go to the main streets of the cities in groups with your friends and family members. When you’re on the move, don’t separate yourself from each other or the crowd, and don’t take side streets that could endanger your life,” Pahlavi said, according to an English translation of his speech published on X. From his exile in the USA, he claims a leadership role in the opposition.
Reza Pahlavi, son of the Shah who was overthrown in 1979.Image: keystone
On Saturday, Pahlavi called for nationwide strikes. Workers and employees in key industries such as the oil, gas and energy industries should walk off their jobs. He also called on demonstrators to occupy and control central squares in cities. Because of the internet shutdown, it is unclear whether and to what extent people followed his call.
One critic wrote in English on X that Pahlavi should have called for discipline and non-violence in his statement. His call to “conquer and control the centers of the cities” had put demonstrators in danger. In view of the expected reaction from the trigger-happy Iranian authorities, he considers this approach to be irresponsible.
Pahlavi’s current success is less due to his leadership qualities, wrote Iranian critic Sadegh Sibakalam, but rather to the incompetence, mismanagement and poor decisions of the state leadership.
What do other countries say about the protests?
Israel’s army leadership said the protests were an internal matter for Iran. Nevertheless, the armed forces are defensively prepared. “We will be able to react with force if necessary,” it said.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who is on his way to the USA, called on the Iranian government to allow free elections and turn the internet back on in the ZDF program “Berlin Direkt”. He wanted to find out in Washington what the US government was planning. “In any case, we are of the opinion that a lot needs to be done against this regime.” This also includes the classification of the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization. The CDU politician acknowledged the previous line towards the rulers in Tehran: “The protests we are now seeing are a result of sanctions. That means sanctions work.”
The backgrounds
The protests began at the end of December, triggered by a massive economic crisis and a sudden collapse of the Rial currency. In Tehran, angry traders initially took to the streets. The protests then spread across the country. However, the exact extent remains unclear due to the internet closure. (dab/sda/dpa)