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Unrest grips Iran as protests erupt in 17 provinces
Iran is experiencing its most significant wave of anti-government protests since 2022, with demonstrations confirmed in at least 17 of the country's 31 provinces, according to a BBC Verify and BBC Persian analysis. The actual scale of unrest is likely far greater, with reports suggesting protests in an additional 11 provinces.
Economic crisis sparks nationwide anger
The protests began on 28 December in Tehran, triggered by a sharp devaluation of Iran's currency against the dollar and other major foreign currencies. Over the past 10 days, verified footage has documented anti-government demonstrations in more than 50 towns and cities, including regions traditionally seen as loyal to the state.
Among the most notable locations are Qom and Mashhad, both historically strongholds of support for the Islamic Republic. Sina Azodi, Director of the Middle East Studies Program at George Washington University, described the unrest in these cities as "very telling," indicating that even the government's core supporters are struggling under economic hardship.
Security forces escalate crackdown
Initially, authorities appeared to exercise restraint, but the response has grown increasingly violent since 4 January. This shift followed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's public remarks, in which he declared that "rioters must be put in their place."
Since then, Iran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has pledged to address legitimate economic and social concerns while warning that authorities will "deal firmly" with those seeking to incite unrest. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also issued threats to protesters in Lorestan province, vowing to suppress street gatherings.
BBC Persian has confirmed at least 11 deaths since the protests began, using verified funeral footage and interviews with families. Human rights group HRANA reports a higher toll, citing at least 35 fatalities, including two security personnel.
Violence escalates in multiple cities
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Malekshahi, a small town in Ilam province, where security forces opened fire on demonstrators on 4 January. Human rights groups report four deaths, while state-affiliated news agencies claim three. Later footage showed injured protesters being transported to hospitals.
In Fasa, located in the southwestern Fars province, security forces in riot gear were filmed firing on demonstrators. Similar clashes have been reported in other cities, including Ilam, where authorities fired shots near Imam Khomeini Hospital. Iran's president has ordered an investigation into the incident.
"Escalating repression is likely to deepen popular resentment toward the political system while risking fatigue and demoralisation within the police and security forces-who, at some point, may cease to comply with orders."
Peyman Jafari, Assistant Professor of International Relations at the College of William and Mary
Protesters shift from economic grievances to anti-regime chants
What began as demonstrations against economic mismanagement and corruption has evolved into broader anti-government protests. In numerous locations, protesters have chanted slogans against Khamenei and the clerical establishment, which has ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
At the University of Tehran, students chanted "death to the dictator," a direct reference to Khamenei, as dozens stormed through the campus gates on 30 December. In Iranshahr, protesters set fire to statues of Khamenei and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic.
Some demonstrations have also included chants in support of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former Shah, signaling nostalgia for the pre-revolution monarchy.
"While the catalysts differ... the problems remain the same: systemic mismanagement, corruption, and repression. The countless anti-regime chants make clear that many Iranians are calling for the ouster of the Islamic Republic."
Holly Dagres, Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute
Experts assess threat to the regime
Despite the widespread nature of the protests, most analysts consulted by the BBC do not believe they currently pose an existential threat to the Iranian government. Sina Azodi noted that security forces remain loyal, with no reported defections, and that protesters lack a unified strategy to overthrow the regime.
However, the heavy-handed response from authorities risks further alienating the public and could lead to fractures within the security apparatus over time.
