Unrest in Iran

Iran Protests Over Costs and Jobs Turn Deadly

Photo from Carol Ruth Weber's Article / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

As of January 2026, Iran is experiencing its most severe wave of unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Protests that began in late December over rising living costs, inflation, unemployment and other economic pressures have rapidly spread throughout the country and evolved into an open protest against the country's government. Large crowds, made up of mostly students and workers, have taken part despite an intense response.

Authorities have responded by severely restricting access to information, implementing internet and network shutdowns across the country and limiting communication among protestors. Activist groups fear that more than 12,000 people may have been killed since the conflict began, with some estimates suggesting the number could be even higher. Many deaths are believed to have occurred during clashes with law enforcement or from violence against protestors. Even as international observers express concern, Iran has discussed the unrest internationally, and defends its security measures as necessary to maintain order and stability.