Iran’s government has declared three days of national mourning following recent violent protests and clashes that left multiple civilians and security personnel dead. The announcement was made on Sunday evening, January 11, through a statement from the presidential office, according to Tasnim News. The government said the mourning period honors those killed in the unrest, expressing condolences on behalf of the state and cabinet.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to bringing those responsible for the violence to justice and to maintaining public order. Officials alleged that the recent incidents were carried out by “externally supported rioters” who attacked political figures and security forces, creating instability across the country.

The declaration of mourning comes amid heightened political tension and ongoing opposition activity within Iran’s political and security environment, reflecting the government’s attempt to restore calm after widespread unrest.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Islamic Republic is currently engaged in battles on four simultaneous fronts—economic, intellectual, military, and counterterrorism—against enemies led by the United States and Israel. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, he said these conflicts have been ongoing for years and are becoming increasingly complex. According to him, Iran’s adversaries have already been defeated militarily, prompting the US to attempt to incite unrest and impose what he described as a “terrorist war” inside the country.

Ghalibaf warned that this so-called “terrorist war,” resembling Daesh-style operations, aims to harm Iran. He criticized US President Donald Trump’s threats and said the Iranian people have resolved to confront and eliminate armed terrorists. Separately, on January 9, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei accused certain groups of carrying out sabotage in Tehran and other cities to please the US president. He alleged that Trump was responsible for the deaths of over a thousand Iranians during a 12-day war in June 2025.

Khamenei emphasized that the Islamic Republic, founded through great sacrifice, would never submit to foreign powers and urged Iranian youth to maintain unity and readiness to defeat all enemies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has claimed that the ongoing protests and unrest in the country are now fully under control. Speaking on Monday in Tehran during a meeting with foreign diplomats, he said that although violence had escalated over the weekend, the situation has since returned to normal. According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi also accused U.S. President Donald Trump of provoking violence through interference, irresponsible remarks, and threats.

Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared for war but remains open to dialogue. He added that efforts are underway, in coordination with security forces, to restore internet services quickly. In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that threats from U.S. officials align with Israeli government policies that increase regional tensions. The ministry warned that any aggression against the Islamic Republic would be met with a swift, precise, and extensive response.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with Tehran emphasizing both readiness for defense and willingness to engage diplomatically.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of violence and excessive force used against civilians during ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. In a statement on Sunday, January 11, he called on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against demonstrators. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said the Secretary-General was deeply saddened by reports of numerous deaths resulting from the crackdown.

Guterres emphasized the importance of fully protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association as recognized under international law. He urged that Iranian citizens be allowed to voice their demands and grievances peacefully and without fear. The UN chief also called for the restoration of internet and communication services to ensure the free flow of information across the country.

According to the UK-based monitoring group NetBlocks, Iran’s internet has been cut off for more than 72 hours. The protests began on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the sharp fall of the Iranian rial and worsening economic crisis, later spreading nationwide. The US-based group HRANA reported at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel killed, with over 10,600 arrests, though the Iranian government has not released official figures.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country is prepared for war but remains open to dialogue. He accused US President Donald Trump of inciting violence through interference in Iran’s internal affairs, irresponsible remarks, and threats. The statement was made amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.

According to a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the US threats and what it called an irresponsible stance constitute a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and amount to incitement of violence and terrorism against Iranian citizens. The ministry added that threats from US officials align with Israeli government policies that increase regional tensions.

The statement warned that any aggression against Iran would be met with a swift, precise, and extensive response, and that such a situation could push the entire region toward greater crisis and instability, for which the United States would bear full responsibility.

Pro-government supporters in Iran launched nationwide counter-demonstrations on January 12, 2026, targeting what authorities described as foreign-backed rioters. According to Press TV, rallies began in some provinces between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. local time, with larger gatherings scheduled for 2 p.m. in Tehran and other major regions.

The demonstrations followed weeks of unrest that began on December 28, when Iranian shopkeepers closed their businesses to protest the falling value of the rial. Those protests evolved into anti-government movements. Iranian officials alleged that the United States and Israel incited the unrest, turning peaceful demonstrations violent. Tehran has blamed U.S. sanctions for the economic crisis and currency depreciation.

The government acknowledged that grievances over rising living costs were legitimate and pledged to take steps to address the economic challenges. Authorities maintained that the situation across the country remained under control.

Iran has summoned the British ambassador in Tehran following an incident in London where protesters removed the Iranian national flag from the country’s embassy. The protest took place on Saturday outside the Iranian embassy, drawing hundreds of participants. At one point, a demonstrator climbed onto the embassy balcony and took down the flag, prompting Tehran’s formal protest.

Iran’s state television reported that authorities also accused a specific terrorist organization of spreading false information through media and encouraging violence and terrorism. The report noted that the BBC Persian Service and Iran International, both based in the United Kingdom, have long faced accusations from Iranian officials. Meanwhile, London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that two protesters were arrested and that officers were searching for another individual involved in the intrusion.

Many demonstrators reportedly carried images of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s deposed monarch Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, whose regime was overthrown in the 1979 revolution. Some protesters called for his return to Iran.

Exiled opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah, has said that Iran’s freedom is imminent. In a message posted on social media platform X, he claimed that widespread protests over the past two weeks, particularly in the last four days, have shaken the foundations of what he called the “illegitimate Islamic Republic.” Pahlavi announced the beginning of a new phase of a “national uprising” aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republic and restoring Iran, adding that international support would soon follow.

The protests, which began on December 28, have spread across multiple cities and regions, driven by economic hardship, rising prices, and severe inflation. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 538 people have been killed and more than 10,600 arrested so far, though the actual figures may be higher due to government suppression and information restrictions. The Iranian government has not released any official casualty or arrest data.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly supported the Iranian protesters and warned that Washington could take military action if Tehran continues to suppress demonstrations violently. Analysts say Iran is facing a deep political crisis fueled by domestic unrest, opposition activity, and international pressure.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that the American military is considering tough measures against Iran, including the possibility of military intervention. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump stated that the issue is being taken very seriously and that strong options are under review. He added that Iranian leaders have called for talks following the threat of military action, and a meeting is being arranged, though action could occur before any talks take place.

Trump’s latest warning comes as Iranian leaders have issued stern cautions against any foreign military intervention. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that if Iran is attacked, both Israeli-held territories and all U.S. bases and ships would become legitimate targets. The tensions follow widespread protests that began on December 28 when Tehran’s Grand Bazaar merchants shut their shops over the falling value of the rial.

According to Iranian state media, at least 109 security personnel have been killed in the unrest. Authorities have not confirmed the number of civilian casualties, but opposition activists abroad claim the death toll is much higher and includes hundreds of protesters.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to send Starlink equipment to Iran to help restore internet connectivity disrupted during ongoing anti-government protests. He said he would discuss the initiative with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, describing Musk as highly capable in implementing such technological measures. Trump made the remarks on Sunday, January 11, while speaking to reporters, following widespread internet shutdowns across Iran since Thursday, January 8.

The internet blackout has left Iran largely cut off from the outside world, making communication and access to reliable information extremely difficult. The shutdown came as protests that began on December 28 over rising commodity prices quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement. Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of inciting the unrest.

The proposed Starlink deployment, if realized, could provide alternative internet access to Iranians despite government restrictions, though no timeline or official plan has yet been confirmed.

A US-based human rights organization, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reported on Sunday, January 11, that more than 500 people have been killed in ongoing anti-government protests across Iran. The agency said it verified information from its workers inside and outside the country, confirming the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel over the past two weeks. HRANA also claimed that more than 10,600 people have been arrested during the unrest.

The protests began on December 28 in response to rising commodity prices and quickly escalated into a widespread anti-government movement, described as the largest since 2022. The Iranian government has accused the United States and Israel of fueling the demonstrations. Meanwhile, the US has expressed support for the protesters, with President Donald Trump warning that Washington might intervene if excessive force is used. Tehran has cautioned that any US attack would be met with a strong response.

Iran has not released official casualty figures, and Reuters reported that it could not independently verify HRANA’s claims. The government has also restricted nearly all internet services since Thursday, making it difficult to obtain reliable information from within the country.

Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States against any form of military intervention, threatening to attack all American bases across the Middle East. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that if the U.S. takes military action against the Islamic Republic, Tehran will immediately strike Israeli and American military and naval bases in the region. He emphasized that Iran would respond instantly to any perceived threat, identifying U.S. and Israeli installations as primary targets.

The warning followed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump was preparing to express support for ongoing protests in Iran. In response, Israel has reportedly placed its forces on high alert amid fears of a potential U.S. strike on Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian security forces have been accused of using harsh measures to suppress the protests, with reports of casualties over the past two days and widespread internet disruptions across the country.

The situation underscores escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, with regional security on edge as both sides brace for possible confrontation.

Researchers have identified a large and organized digital propaganda network operating behind Iran’s ongoing protests. The joint investigation by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab and Israeli media outlets The Marker and Haaretz revealed that the operation allegedly uses artificial intelligence technology and is indirectly funded by the Israeli government. The campaign’s stated goal is to promote monarchist sentiment among Iranians and destabilize the current regime.

According to the findings, the network has been spreading provocative content aimed at reinstating exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. It was most active during the attack on Tehran’s Evin Prison, when thousands of fake social media accounts circulated explosion reports and AI-generated deepfake videos before Iranian media coverage. The network also encouraged acts like bank robberies and prison breaks. Citizen Lab noted that the timing of these campaigns coincided with Israeli military operations.

Researchers warned that such unethical digital operations by democratic states could further threaten long-term stability in the Middle East, even as they appear to strengthen Iran’s ruling government domestically.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that protecting national security is its red line as widespread protests continue across the country. The elite force, separate from the regular army, made the statement on Saturday after overnight demonstrations described as the largest in years. The IRGC said it is determined to safeguard the nation’s security and the achievements of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, claiming that armed attackers targeted military and law enforcement bases, killing both security personnel and civilians and setting fire to public and private facilities.

Iran’s army also announced its commitment to defending national interests, strategic infrastructure, and public assets. Both the army and the IRGC operate under the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests began two weeks ago over uncontrolled inflation but have since taken on political dimensions, with some demonstrators calling for the fall of the Islamic Republic.

State media reported that a municipal building in Karaj was set ablaze, while doctors in Tehran confirmed at least 217 protester deaths in six hospitals, most showing gunshot wounds. Internet watchdog NetBlocks said Iran has imposed a nationwide blackout lasting more than 36 hours.

Iran’s state media reported on Sunday that more than 100 members of the country’s security forces have been killed during nationwide protests over a worsening economic crisis. State television said 30 officers were killed in Isfahan province and six in Kermanshah, while the Tasnim news agency put the total death toll among security personnel at 109. A Red Crescent staff member was also killed in Gorgan, and a mosque was set on fire in Mashhad. The Ministry of Interior said the unrest was beginning to subside, though the attorney general warned that those involved could face the death penalty.

The protests, which began in late December, have become the largest in Iran since the 2022–23 demonstrations following Mahsa Amini’s death. President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of inciting “riots,” while parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that any US attack would trigger retaliatory strikes on Israel and American bases. US President Donald Trump said Washington was “ready to help” protesters and threatened to hit Iran “very hard.”

Authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout lasting more than 60 hours, and human rights groups report at least 51 protesters, including nine children, killed by security forces.