Protests have erupted in at least 17 of Iran’s 31 provinces, marking the most serious challenge to the clerical leadership since the 2022 unrest, according to BBCVerify and BBC Persian.
Based on verified video evidence, demonstrations have been confirmed in more than 50 towns and cities, though reports suggest the true scale is significantly larger, with activity in at least 11 additional provinces.
The largely leaderless unrest began on December 28 in Tehran after a sharp currency devaluation and has since spread rapidly, including to traditionally pro-government cities such as Qom and Mashhad. Observers say protests in these loyalist areas highlight the growing economic strain on the government’s core support base.
While authorities initially appeared restrained, security forces have intensified their response following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s call to crack down on “rioters,” with verified footage showing an increased use of force. Human rights groups report dozens of deaths nationwide, including fatalities from violent crackdowns in towns such as Malekshahi and Fasa, as investigations into some incidents continue.
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