Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Vows Crackdown as Nationwide Anti-Government Protests Enter Second Week
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
January 10, 2026
Iran is gripped by its most severe internal crisis in years as anti-government protests, now in their 13th day, continue to rage across all 31 provinces. What began as economic outrage over a collapsing currency and soaring inflation has evolved into widespread calls for regime change, with demonstrators openly chanting “Death to Khamenei” and waving pre-revolutionary flags. In response, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a defiant televised address on January 9, vowing that the Islamic Republic “will not back down” and labeling protesters as “vandals” and “saboteurs” attempting to “please” U.S. President Donald Trump.
Here are powerful images from the streets of Tehran and other cities showing the scale of the unrest and the regime’s heavy-handed response:
These scenes capture crowds blocking streets, setting fires, and confronting security forces amid the chaos.
Origins and Escalation of the Protests
The demonstrations erupted on December 28, 2025, sparked by merchants in Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar protesting the rial’s dramatic depreciation—losing roughly half its value against the dollar in the past year—and inflation exceeding 40-42%. Basic goods like dairy and meat have become unaffordable for many families, exacerbating widespread frustration with government mismanagement, corruption, and the lingering economic fallout from last year’s 12-day conflict with Israel.
What started as localized economic grievances quickly spread nationwide, fueled by social media coordination and calls from exiled opposition figures like Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah. By early January, protests had engulfed major cities including Tehran, Mashhad (Khamenei’s hometown), Shiraz, Tabriz, Kermanshah, and Zahedan. Demonstrators have torched government buildings, toppled statues of revered figures like Qassem Soleimani, and chanted slogans demanding an end to the Islamic Republic, including “This is the year of blood, Seyed Ali will be overthrown” and support for the monarchy.
The movement draws heavily from Generation Z and women, echoing the spirit of the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests but amplified by deeper economic despair and perceived regime vulnerability post-conflict.
Khamenei’s Defiant Response and Accusations
In his first major public address since the unrest began, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader appeared before supporters chanting “Death to America” and accused protesters of being foreign mercenaries. He claimed they were “ruining their own streets” to please President Trump, who has repeatedly warned of U.S. intervention if Iranian authorities use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators.
Khamenei emphasized the regime’s resilience, stating: “The Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people. It will not back down in the face of vandals.” Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, echoed this hardline stance, vowing “decisive, maximum” punishment without leniency, while public prosecutors threatened death sentences for “saboteurs.”
Here are striking images of Ayatollah Khamenei during his address, underscoring the regime’s unyielding position:
Brutal Crackdown and Humanitarian Crisis
Security forces, including the IRGC, Basij militia, and police, have responded with live ammunition, tear gas, and mass arrests. Rights groups report at least 48-62 deaths (including protesters, bystanders, and some security personnel), with figures from HRANA and Iran Human Rights documenting dozens killed by gunfire, including children. Over 2,000-2,300 arrests have been confirmed, with reports of hospital raids to detain wounded demonstrators.
To stifle coordination and footage leaking abroad, authorities imposed a nationwide internet and telephone blackout starting January 8—now exceeding 24-48 hours in many areas—with connectivity dropping to near 1%. This tactic, reminiscent of the 2019 crackdown, has isolated Iranians and drawn international condemnation.
These visuals highlight the regime’s efforts to silence the uprising through digital isolation and force: 4 “LARGE”
International Reactions and Geopolitical Stakes
The protests have drawn sharp global attention. U.S. President Trump reiterated threats to “hit Iran very hard” if killings continue, while European leaders like EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the “disproportionate” response and internet shutdown as signs of a “regime afraid of its own people.” France, the UK, and Germany issued joint statements urging restraint.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for escalated action and appealed directly to Trump for support, warning of a potential “massacre” under the blackout.
As winter deepens and economic pain intensifies, these protests represent Iran’s gravest domestic challenge since the 1979 Revolution. With the regime doubling down on repression amid external pressures, the coming days could determine whether this uprising fizzles under force or ignites into something far larger.
Juba Global News Network will continue to monitor this fluid and high-stakes situation. For real-time updates, visit JubaGlobal.com. Stay informed, stay vigilant.
