Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran has exploded into intense, volatile protests. Across all 31 provinces in nearly 200 cities, citizens are calling for the disposal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the regime at large.
In the weeks leading up to the protests, Iran has been gripped its most severe economic crisis in Persia's history, marked by nearly 45% inflation and a 70%+ increase in the price of essential goods such as food. Over the past four days, the Rial (IRR) has practically collapsed, with ο·Ό1 now only being worth 0.0000010 of the U.S. Dollar. All of this has been further exacerbated by international sanctions following the 2025 12-day war with Israel.
What began as grievences from bazaar merchants and other business owners over the economic turmoil has exploded into a full-blown call to overthrow the republic, with chants of "Death to Khamenei" echoing at demonstrations. Furthermore, there has been a overwhelming resurgeance of support for the old monarchy (Iran's governing body before the 1979 revolution) and the restoration of the exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. In light of this, protestors have been chanting "Long live the Shah" and carry the flag of the Pahlavi Dynasty as their symbol of rebellion (Iran's flag but featuring a golden lion and sun).
Iran's government has responded with brutality, authorizing lethal force to the police and the military. Official statements from government officials refer to protestors as "rioters," "vandals," "saboteurs," or even "terrorists" backed by the U.S. and Israel. Supreme Leader Khamenei has vowed not to back down, and Iran's Attorney General warned participants could be charged as "enemies of God" (a death-penalty offense). United States President Donald Trump has reacted by expressing full support for the protests and threatening the regime with direct military intervention, that he is "locked and loaded" if protestors are executed. As of January 10th, human rights groups such as Amnesty International estimate the current death toll from the protests to be anywhere from 50 to over 100 (including children). Hundreds more are reportedly injured and thousands have likely been arrested.
Recently, Iran's government response has escalated dramatically by ordering a near-total shutdown of the state intranet and telecommunications (estimated connectivity at ~1% of normal levels). This move is likely aimed at aimed at disrupting coordination, hiding abuses, an
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