Protests continue in Tehran as clashes intensify in western Iran

Sunday 04 January 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Protests continue in Tehran as clashes intensify in western Iran

New protest gatherings were reported on Saturday evening in Tehran, while violent clashes were recorded in parts of western Iran, marking the eighth consecutive day of nationwide unrest. The movement, which began over rising living costs, has gradually evolved into broader political protests.

Initially sparked in the Iranian capital on December 28, the demonstrations have since spread to dozens of cities across the country. According to media reports and official statements, around 40 cities—mostly small and medium-sized urban centers in western Iran—have been affected to varying degrees.

In Tehran, the protests were described by local media as limited in scale, involving relatively small groups of mostly young participants in several districts across the capital. While political slogans were reportedly heard, incidents remained minor, with only sporadic acts such as stone-throwing or the burning of trash bins.

By contrast, authorities reported a rise in organized violence in western regions. In some areas, confrontations between demonstrators and security forces turned deadly. Official sources indicated that casualties included both protesters and members of the security services.

The lack of detailed and consistent official information, combined with the circulation of unverified videos on social media, continues to complicate efforts to assess the full scope of the unrest. Nevertheless, the protests represent one of the most significant waves of dissent in Iran in recent years.