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A woman, a member of the Iranian community in Madrid, with her face covered, holds a sign during a protest in front of the Iranian Embassy in Madrid
Image: Luis Soto/SOPA Images/Sipa USA/picture alliance

2026 Iran protests

Protests sparked by Iran's ailing economy have spread across the country, with demonstrators calling for a change of government and "death to the dictator." Thousands have been killed as authorities try to crush dissent.

Skip next section News

News

January 23, 2026

Trump threatens Iran with US fleet as death toll rises

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Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Chinese President Xi Jinping standing next to Iranian President Pezeshkian

How far will China go to back Iran if the US strikes?

How far will China go to back Iran if the US strikes?

Iran relies on China, but are their ties strong enough for Beijing to defend the Islamic Republic from a US attack?
ConflictsFebruary 1, 2026
Two US soldiers in front of several aircraft and helicopters

US-Iran tensions: Arab states and Israel navigate tightrope

US-Iran tensions: Arab states and Israel navigate tightrope

Amid efforts to avert a Middle East war, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states and Israel are prioritizing their own interests.
PoliticsJanuary 30, 2026
A young Iranian couple sit on a red plastic bench overlooking Tehran

Iran: A mosaic state rife with internal conflicts

Iran: A mosaic state rife with internal conflicts

The regime has no answers to recurring protests, demands from minorities and deepening environmental crises.
PoliticsJanuary 30, 2026
Top view of Iran Revolutionary Guard commanders chanting slogans during their meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (file photo)

Who are Iran's Revolutionary Guards?

Who are Iran's Revolutionary Guards?

The Revolutionary Guards are widely seen as being crucial to suppressing protests against the Iranian regime.
PoliticsJanuary 29, 202601:32 min
A hand holds a mobile phone showing an X-ray of a person's chest

German medical network helps Iran's injured protesters

German medical network helps Iran's injured protesters

In Germany, a network of medical staff of Iranian origin is offering remote support to injured demonstrators in Iran.
ConflictsJanuary 29, 202601:44 min
Iranian Revolutionary Guard cadets march during an annual military parade

EU designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terror group

EU designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terror group

The bloc's foreign ministers made the symbolic move following the brutal clampdown on protests in Iran.
PoliticsJanuary 29, 2026
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Rapper Meraj Tehrani recording himself for his social media feeds

Iran protests: Exiled rapper begs for Donald Trump's help

Without outside help, Iran will not be able to rid itself of the regime, rapper Meraj Tehrani says.
PoliticsJanuary 28, 202602:35 min
Ali Karimi speaking at an event in Los Angeles about the situation in Iran

Protests in Iran: Ali Karimi leads sports' call for support

Former Iran footballer Ali Karimi has signed an open letter, asking FIFA to act. He is not the only athlete to be vocal.
SportsJanuary 27, 2026
Mohammad Saleh Zarif Moghadam, a 28-year-old Iranian boxing coach, who died on January 8, during a wave of protests that drew a bloody crackdown that reportedly left thousands of people dead

Iran protests: Victim's family recounts fatal shooting

Thousands of people have been reported killed but assessing the true scale of the violence remains complicated.
Human RightsJanuary 21, 2026
Security forces are seen during a pro-government rally, a large Iranian flag is seen hanging from a building in the background

Iranians abroad fear for loved ones back home

Iranians living outside the country are desperate to connect with family in Iran, worried about their safety.
Human RightsJanuary 18, 202602:21 min
A file photo of the USS Abraham Lincoln supercarrier in the Indian Ocean

Iran protest crackdown: What are the US's military options?

Donald Trump has been back and forth on US intervention in Iran. What do experts think the options are?
PoliticsJanuary 16, 2026
Protestors in London stand behind a banner that reads 'Iran is in Darkness'

Why Iran's communication blackout could become permanent

Iran's communication restrictions may become long-term, according to one expert, while ordinary people struggle.
PoliticsJanuary 13, 2026
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