What is going on in Iran? An update on the historic protests
By Easton Martin | January 11, 2026
Turmoil continues to grip Iran as historic protests stretch into a third week. What began as a scattered outcry over the collapsing rial (Iranian currency) has transformed into a unified movement challenging the clerical leadership. From the capital to the provinces, crowds are demanding an end to the current administration.
President Masoud Pezeshkian finds his government paralyzed. His decision to cut state support for essential goods has sparked immediate backlash, driving inflation to record highs. Everyday items have become unaffordable for millions of people. This economic desperation has bridged the gap between the working class and the urban elite, which has created a moment of shared opposition against the regime.
Authorities are responding with heavy force. Witnesses report security services using tear gas and live fire in major squares. A severe disruption of mobile networks has made verifying casualty numbers difficult, yet videos continue to surface via satellite connections showing burning barricades and large marches.
