Iran is one of the most influential powers of the Middle East, with a population of 90 million people and resources largely dependent on its oil production, which is the third largest on the planet. Despite this, it is estimated that more than half of Iran’s population live in a state of poverty. The movement quickly began to spread beyond Tehran to other cities across the country, and what originally began as protests driven by economic despair, turned into a call for political change and the resignation of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since the beginning of the movement, authorities have violently responded to the protests and the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed the killing of more than 6,000 people, including 5,858 protesters, by the end of January 2026. Those numbers are expected to rise as reports indicate that many injured protesters have died across the streets of Tehran before reaching hospitals, which have been operating beyond their capacities. Estimates from doctors warn that the final death toll could exceed 30,000.
On the 8th of January, the Iranian government conducted an internet blackout leaving millions of Iranians cut off from the outside world and unable to reach their loved ones for three weeks. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, justified the blackout as a response to “terrorist operations”. The attempt to supress the media has played a consequent role in limiting information about the violence perpetrated on protesters. Although the access to internet has slowly returned, it remains very limited with parts of the country still awaiting its restoration.
To better understand how such an escalation came to be, we must look back on the origins of the Iranian political context. The Islamic Republic of Iran was born following the revolution that overthrew the monarchy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979. Since then, Iran has been governed under a system in which religious authority dominates political decisions and plays a central role in shaping legislation and social norms. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989 and has ultimate authority over parliamentary decisions. Although Iran has an elected president, Massoud Pezeshkian and parliament who manage daily governance, they remain subordinate to the Supreme Leader as do the lawmakers, very loyal to Khamenei who ensure ideological continuity is preserved, leaving very little room for political opposition or reform.
Public life is regulated by a strict interpretation of religious laws, shaping daily life in Iran. Criticism of the regime is not tolerated, and personal freedoms are extremely limited and repressed. The death penalty is still widely enforced in Iran and in recent years, protesters have been labelled as terrorists and enemies of God by official members of the Iranian government, a charge rooted in the Islamic law and punishable by death. Effectively authorising the use of force and violence from the police onto protesters.
Such a repression in Iran was already witnessed by the world in 2022 following the murder of Mahsa Amini by the morality police after being arrested for violating mandatory hijab rules. Her death sparked nationwide protests, later called the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement. Since, outraged Iranian women have been defying the regime by refusing to wear hijabs in public spaces. Iran has experienced a succession of protests and unrest in recent years, increasing political tensions across the country and amounting to greater public resentment for their leaders and system.
How has the international community reacted to the Iranian repression? Donald Trump has publicly encouraged the protest movements and has increased the political pressure on Tehran by sending an armada to the Persian Gulf. Lead by the USS Abraham Lincoln, (333 meters long, holds around 80 aircrafts, supports a crew of 5000 soldiers and is escorted by 3 destroyers) the fleet increases fears of a military confrontation between the US and Iran. Originally sent to “promote regional security and stability”, as US Central Command explains, Trump has nonetheless stated he would provide aid to the Iranian people by taking “very strong action” against Iran if authorities executed protesters, “If they hang them, you’re going to see some things” he stated.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last Shah, has emerged as a prominent figure and has been strongly supporting protesters. From the US, where he resides, he has urged global powers to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian government, positioning himself as a potential symbol of an alternative political future.
Although we witness the courage and heroism from the people of Iran, we must not forget these actions emerge from a deep suffering and pain, fighting against a regime and a system that doesn’t support them, and in fact, violently oppresses them. Images have circulated, showing scenes of war and chaos across the country, where bodies are bagged and piled up in hospitals and mortuaries. With these protests seen as the biggest threat to the regime since the revolution in 1979, the people of Iran are relentlessly fighting for change and reform to their political system, and we must stand with them.