As 2026 kicks off, Iran is gripped by one of the biggest waves of unrest since the 1979 revolution. What started in late December as frustration over skyrocketing inflation, a crashing currency, and everyday economic hardships has exploded into nationwide demonstrations calling for an end to the Islamic Republic’s rule. Protests have now spread to over 100 cities across all 31 provinces, with crowds chanting everything from economic complaints to outright anti-regime slogans like “Death to the Dictator.”
Here are some powerful scenes from the streets, where people of all ages are risking everything to demand change:
The crowds have been described as enormous and full of hope, with protesters blocking streets, lighting fires, and standing strong despite heavy crackdowns. But the violence has been brutal — eyewitnesses report seeing security forces open fire, with bodies piling up in hospitals and injured people struggling to get help.
Tragically, human rights groups report at least 65 deaths (some estimates go higher, with over 200 in Tehran hospitals alone) and more than 2,300 arrests in just two weeks. Security forces have raided hospitals, beaten detainees, and used live ammunition and pellets. The regime has imposed a near-total internet blackout for days now, cutting off phones and online communication to stop people from organizing or sharing what’s happening — a classic tactic, experts say, to hide the violence and limit global attention.
Despite the blackout, some leaders like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are still posting online, blaming the U.S. and calling protesters “vandals” trying to please foreign powers.
This unrest feels different — it began with shopkeepers in Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar (a group that once backed the regime) shutting down over the economy, and has drawn in everyday people, students, and even Generation Z. Many are waving the pre-revolution flag (the old lion-and-sun symbol) and chanting for the return of the monarchy.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi (son of the last Shah) has stepped up, calling for coordinated protests and nationwide strikes. He’s positioning himself as a voice for change, and his calls have sparked massive turnout.
Here are glimpses of protesters in action, chanting against the regime:
Even abroad, solidarity is growing — like this dramatic moment in London where a protester replaced the Iranian embassy flag with the pre-revolution one:
Protester put pre-Islamic revolution Iran flag on London …
Reza Pahlavi himself has become a rallying figure for many:
Iran’s exiled crown prince rises as a figure in protests, decades …
On the international stage, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iran’s leaders: if they kill peaceful protesters, the U.S. will “come to their rescue” and is “locked and loaded.” Khamenei has hit back, telling Trump to mind his own business and accusing the U.S. of stirring trouble.
The regime is threatening harsh punishments — even calling some acts “waging war against God,” which can mean the death penalty — and planning counter-rallies. Prominent figures like Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi (currently detained) and filmmakers have condemned the blackout and violence.
As one analyst put it, if the momentum keeps going, the regime could face real cracks. For now, Iranians are out in force, defying the odds in what many call a fight for survival and freedom.