By PingTV News Desk | Last Updated: January 11, 2026 – 15:30 IST
TEHRAN, IRAN — A wave of anti-government unrest has entered its third week, pushing the Islamic Republic toward its most significant crisis in decades. As of January 11, 2026, human rights agencies report that at least 116 people have been killed and over 2,600 detained in a nationwide crackdown that has seen internet services severed and the military placed on high alert.
Why are people protesting in Iran?
The current uprising, which began on December 28, 2025, was initially triggered by a catastrophic economic collapse. The Iranian Rial (IRR) plunged to a historic low of 1.4 million per US Dollar, causing food prices to surge by over 70%.
What began as a strike by merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar quickly transformed into a political movement. Protesters are now demanding:
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Regime Change: Chants of “Death to the Dictator” and “This is the year of blood” are being heard from Tehran to Mashhad.
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Return of the Monarchy: Increasing calls for the return of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former Shah, to lead a transitional government.
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End to Foreign Proxy Funding: Citizens are expressing fury over the government’s spending on groups like Hezbollah and Hamas while domestic citizens face starvation.
The Latest Update: “Enemy of God” Charges
In a chilling escalation this morning, Iran’s Attorney General, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, declared that anyone participating in the protests—or even those “helping rioters”—will be charged with Moharebeh (Enmity against God). Under Iranian law, this charge carries the death penalty.
The Iranian Parliament met in an emergency session today, with lawmakers chanting “Death to America,” accusing the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating the unrest.
Global Tension: The “Trump Factor”
The situation has become a geopolitical powder keg. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued multiple warnings via social media, stating the U.S. is “ready to help” and warned of military strikes if the killing of protesters continues.
International observers note that Iran is currently at its weakest geopolitical point since 1979, following the recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the weakening of its “Axis of Resistance.”
Key Figures at a Glance (Jan 11, 2026)
| Category | Current Status |
| Confirmed Deaths | 116 (including at least 9 children) |
| Total Detentions | 2,600+ |
| Internet Status | Nationwide Blackout (since Jan 8) |
| Currency Rate | 1 USD = 1.4 Million Rial |
| Main Protest Cities | Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah |
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