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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.

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All Content on this topic

Chinese President Xi Jinping standing next to Iranian President Pezeshkian

Chinese President Xi Jinping standing next to Iranian President Pezeshkian

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?

Two US soldiers in front of several aircraft and helicopters

Two US soldiers in front of several aircraft and helicopters

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.

A young Iranian couple sit on a red plastic bench overlooking Tehran

A young Iranian couple sit on a red plastic bench overlooking Tehran

Iran: A mosaic state rife with internal conflicts

The regime has no answers to recurring protests, demands from minorities and deepening environmental crises.

Top view of Iran Revolutionary Guard commanders chanting slogans during their meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (file photo)

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?

The Revolutionary Guards are widely seen as being crucial to suppressing protests against the Iranian regime.

A hand holds a mobile phone showing an X-ray of a person's chest

A hand holds a mobile phone showing an X-ray of a person's chest

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.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard cadets march during an annual military parade

Iranian Revolutionary Guard cadets march during an annual military parade

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.

Rapper Meraj Tehrani recording himself for his social media feeds

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.

Giant banner evoking the US flag, featuring the phrase 'If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind' written in both English and Persian,

Giant banner evoking the US flag, featuring the phrase 'If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind' written in both English and Persian,

What risks would the US run with an attack on Iran?

What would an American attack on Iran look like? And how high are the risks of escalation across the region?

Ali Karimi speaking at an event in Los Angeles about the situation in Iran

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.

In central Cologne, Germany, candles, flowers and photos of the victims of protests in Iran

In central Cologne, Germany, candles, flowers and photos of the victims of protests in Iran

Protests in Iran: Official casualty figures in doubt

The number of dead in the crackdown on protests in Iran remains unclear. The injured are reportedly avoiding hospitals.

File photo of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group during military maneuvers in the Pacific Ocean (July 30, 2022)

File photo of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group during military maneuvers in the Pacific Ocean (July 30, 2022)

Trump threatens Iran with US fleet as death toll rises

An internet blackout has cut off Iran from the outside world, but reports of soaring death tolls still trickle out.

President Donald Trump sits in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington, wearing a red cap that reads Make America Great Again

President Donald Trump sits in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington, wearing a red cap that reads Make America Great Again

Why the Gulf states are wary of a strike on Iran

The Gulf states are pushing for de-escalation as they fear a US attack on Iran.

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

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.

How reliable is Starlink as a wartime communications line?

Starlink helped some news and images get out of Iran during protests this month despite an imposed internet blackout.

A picture of Ayatollah Kamenei sitting next to officers of thje Revolutionary Guard Corps

A picture of Ayatollah Kamenei sitting next to officers of thje Revolutionary Guard Corps

Iran's economic woes expose regime's tight grip

The Iranian economy is in tatters, amid currency collapse and soaring inflation due to the regime's tight economic grip.

A group of people dressed warmly against the cold waves flags and holds up placards featuring the image of a man. Two people in the front hold up a large yellow sign that reads 'Iran rises for freedom. No to Shah — No to Mullahs; Yes to a democratic republic.' Washington, USA, December 31, 2025

A group of people dressed warmly against the cold waves flags and holds up placards featuring the image of a man. Two people in the front hold up a large yellow sign that reads 'Iran rises for freedom. No to Shah — No to Mullahs; Yes to a democratic republic.' Washington, USA, December 31, 2025

What is an exiled Iranian opposition group doing in Albania?

Far from Tehran, some 3,000 members of the MEK operate from the Balkan state. What role do they play in Iran's protests?

Security forces are seen during a pro-government rally, a large Iranian flag is seen hanging from a building in the background

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.

Protesters holding flags with a banner saying "OUR GOAL: FREEDOM, OUR VOICE PAHLAVI"

Protesters holding flags with a banner saying "OUR GOAL: FREEDOM, OUR VOICE PAHLAVI"

Iranians across Europe protest against Iranian regime

Thousands of Iranians took to the streets across Europe, showing their disdain for the violent crackdowns on protests.

Archive photo of Iranian student Robina Aminian, working on an item of clothing on a dressmakers dummy

Archive photo of Iranian student Robina Aminian, working on an item of clothing on a dressmakers dummy

Relatives mourn young Iranian protester after unrest

Rights activists say more than 3,000 people have been killed in Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government protests.

Reza Pahlavi at a podium in front of Iran's pre-1979 national flag at a press conference in Washington on January 16

Reza Pahlavi at a podium in front of Iran's pre-1979 national flag at a press conference in Washington on January 16

Iran's exiled crown prince asks Europe's help to end regime

The son of the last shah, Reza Pahlavi, said Iran's regime is on its "last legs" and called for action from Europe.

A person, whose head is outside the frame, is wrapped in an Iranian Lion and Sun flag and holds a framed photo of the Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi

A person, whose head is outside the frame, is wrapped in an Iranian Lion and Sun flag and holds a framed photo of the Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi

Iran's exiled opposition remains deeply divided

Iran's exiled opposition is struggling to unite, while protesters inside Iran continue their stand against repression.

A composite image of Ati (R), a young Iranian woman during a protest in Cologne and Mojdeh (L), an Iranian woman pharmacist in Bonn, Germany

A composite image of Ati (R), a young Iranian woman during a protest in Cologne and Mojdeh (L), an Iranian woman pharmacist in Bonn, Germany

Iranian exiles in Germany watch protests with hope, horror

Iranians in Germany are caught between hope and despair as Iran's government violently suppresses nationwide protests.

A file photo of the USS Abraham Lincoln supercarrier in the Indian Ocean

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?

Screenshot of a woman lighting her cigarette from a burning photo of Khamenei

Screenshot of a woman lighting her cigarette from a burning photo of Khamenei

Fact check: Woman burning Khamenei photo not in Iran

A viral video of a woman burning a photo of Khamenei causes outrage. The image is real; however, it's not from Iran.

President Donald Trump is joined by his national security team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right), in the Situation Room of the White House

President Donald Trump is joined by his national security team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right), in the Situation Room of the White House

Trump walks back threat of military intervention in Iran

Iran's crisis appears to be easing, after a bloody crackdown that killed thousands of protesters.

Silhouette of an armed member of Iranian security forces seen against a background of flames during protests in Tehran (January 9, 2026)

Silhouette of an armed member of Iranian security forces seen against a background of flames during protests in Tehran (January 9, 2026)

Iran's regime crushing protests in bloody crackdown

Protesters in Iran are putting their lives on the line despite the state violence, and hopes of outside help seem faint.

a truck carries coffins of security forces killed during protests with mourners walking next to it

a truck carries coffins of security forces killed during protests with mourners walking next to it

How the Iranian regime is framing the nationwide protests

The Iranian regime is working hard to spread its narrative of the protests that have gripped the country.

Iran | Starlink In Iran

Iran | Starlink In Iran

Starlink and the fight for Internet access in Iran

Iran’s internet is going dark. As protests grow, access is being cut off. Now people are turning to Starlink.

A composite image shows a nighttime view of protesters in a street and a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei (R)

A composite image shows a nighttime view of protesters in a street and a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei (R)

Iran economy hits rock bottom amid protests

Hyperinflation has destroyed the country's currency rial, and Iranians can no longer afford basic goods and services.

The Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, formerly Grace 1, near Gibraltar in 2019

The Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya, formerly Grace 1, near Gibraltar in 2019

Why Iran's fate means more to oil markets than Venezuela's

Though markets were barely fazed by the fate of Venezuela's oil industry, they are far more nervous about Iran's.

An Armed member of Iranian security forces is seen in front of a burning building during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026.

An Armed member of Iranian security forces is seen in front of a burning building during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026.

Fact check: AI fakes and old videos mislead on Iran protests

Iran's protests face an info blackout, fueling AI fakes and recycled videos. DW Fact check exposes the truth.

Iranian human rights activist and 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi in conversation with DW

Iranian human rights activist and 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi in conversation with DW

Iran's Shirin Ebadi calls on US to step in, stop killings

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi suggested the US should target Iran's regime leaders as deadly unrest escalates.

Nighttime view of a crowd of demonstrators in a street or square

Nighttime view of a crowd of demonstrators in a street or square

Iran protests persist amid internet blackout, mass arrests

According to activists, the death toll from nationwide protests in Iran surpassed 2,000 people on Tuesday.

A sign reading 'free Iran' during a solidarity protest in Frankfurt, Germany on January 12

A sign reading 'free Iran' during a solidarity protest in Frankfurt, Germany on January 12

Iran at geopolitical crossroads as protests pressure regime

As the regime in Tehran comes under fire, DW looks at Iran's place on the global stage.

Tugboats dock the oil tanker "Daniel" carrying crude oil imported from Iran at the Port of Zhoushan in Zhoushan city, Zhejiang province, China, on March 8, 2018

Tugboats dock the oil tanker "Daniel" carrying crude oil imported from Iran at the Port of Zhoushan in Zhoushan city, Zhejiang province, China, on March 8, 2018

Will Trump risk a clash with China over Iran tariff?

Trump's shock 25% tariff on nations trading with Iran puts Beijing squarely in the spotlight. DW asks what happens next?

Protestors in London stand behind a banner that reads 'Iran is in Darkness'

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.

Donald Trump, seen here pointing his finger, earlier said Iran was starting to cross a red line in the way the country clamped down on anti-goverment protesters (FILE: January 9, 2026)

Donald Trump, seen here pointing his finger, earlier said Iran was starting to cross a red line in the way the country clamped down on anti-goverment protesters (FILE: January 9, 2026)

Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trading partners

The tariff announcement stands to impact China, Brazil, Turkey and Russia among others.

Solidarity demonstration in Cologne

Solidarity demonstration in Cologne

Germany and Iran: Merz calls Tehran leadership 'weak'

As Germans demand action, Chancellor Friedrich Merz dubbed Iran's suppression of protests "brutal and disproportionate."

demonstrators march in Berlin in support of Iranian protesters, carrying a placard reading: If you care about human rights, speak about Iran

demonstrators march in Berlin in support of Iranian protesters, carrying a placard reading: If you care about human rights, speak about Iran

Iran threatens to retaliate against outside intervention

As Iran's protests grow, so do expressions of support for the protesters in other nations.

Pahlavi smiles and waves to supporters as he leaves Westminster following meeting

Pahlavi smiles and waves to supporters as he leaves Westminster following meeting

Exiled crown prince Pahlavi cheers Iran protests from US

The son of Iran's last shah is positioning himself as a voice of transition as protests continue across the country.

Reza Pahlavi holds a press conference in Paris on June 23, 2025

Reza Pahlavi holds a press conference in Paris on June 23, 2025

Calls for regime overhaul boost exiled heir to Iran monarchy

Decades after the last shah's overthrow, his son Reza Pahlavi is backing anti-regime protesters who demand change.

Members of the Iranian community filled the road opposite the Iranian Embassy in London with huge public demonstration in support of the protests in Iran.

Members of the Iranian community filled the road opposite the Iranian Embassy in London with huge public demonstration in support of the protests in Iran.

Demonstrations across Europe support Iran protests

Exiled Iranians and allies demand the justice, political change and basic human rights long denied to people in Iran.

People tear down an Iranian flag after it was taken down in Mashhad, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on January 8, 2026.

People tear down an Iranian flag after it was taken down in Mashhad, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on January 8, 2026.

Demonstrators dig in as Iran protests near third week

Sparked by economic woes, nationwide protests have widened into broader discontent with theocratic rule in Iran.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Kermanshah, Iran

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Kermanshah, Iran

Iran cuts off internet as protests spread

Amid anti-regime protests in Iran, authorities have cut off the country from the internet and international calls.

A palm, covered in red paint, turned to the camera with the word 'freedom' written on it

A palm, covered in red paint, turned to the camera with the word 'freedom' written on it

Iran: A timeline of mass protests since 1999

Iran's theocratic regime has managed to cling to power despite several anti-government movements in recent decades.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speak during an event in Tehran on January 3, 2026

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speak during an event in Tehran on January 3, 2026

Iran: More than 2,000 protesters arrested, rights group says

Protests sparked by economic hardship have spread across Iran, in the biggest wave of dissent in three years.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in a formal dark blue suit with a red tie raises a hand in greeting outside an official building, with ornate windows in the background. A small tricolor lapel pin is visible on the jacket.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in a formal dark blue suit with a red tie raises a hand in greeting outside an official building, with ornate windows in the background. A small tricolor lapel pin is visible on the jacket.

Amid Iran's unrest, is Reza Pahlavi gaining support?

As protests grip Iran, some activists are calling for the return of the exiled crown prince. But how influential is he?

Iranian men read newspapers on a street

Iranian men read newspapers on a street

Maduro's capture in Venezuela sends warning signal to Iran

The Venezuelan leader's capture is being closely watched in Iran, where nationwide protests are pressuring the regime.

People walk as shops are closed during protests in Tehran's centuries-old main bazaar

People walk as shops are closed during protests in Tehran's centuries-old main bazaar

Iran protests: Reports of clashes at Tehran bazaar

Security forces reportedly used tear gas on protesters at the Tehran Grand Bazaar as they held a sit-in.

Donald Trump, shown from below with microphones on telescopic sticks in the foreground a US flag visible behind him (24.06.2025)

Donald Trump, shown from below with microphones on telescopic sticks in the foreground a US flag visible behind him (24.06.2025)

Are Trump's threats to Iran helping or harming protesters?

The US might hit Iran "very hard" if the regime escalates its crackdown on protesters, according to Donald Trump.