Growing Protests in Iran

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has called for national “unity” in response to the continuation of mass protests that have shaken the country. In a speech broadcast on Iranian state television on Friday, Khamenei warned against what authorities have described as protests driven by foreign conspiracies, particularly blaming the United States. He reiterated that harsh measures would be taken to suppress what he labeled as “terrorist actions.” 

These statements indicate that the protests have moved beyond small, isolated groups and now pose a broader challenge affecting both the state and society. The government’s decision to cut internet access, thereby limiting communication channels among the public, combined with strong televised warnings, may further escalate tensions rather than restore control. 

While it remains unclear how much concern the government currently places on public reaction, similar rhetoric in the past has often intensified unrest. Considering Iran’s history, despite strong loyalty to the state among segments of society, there is also a deeply rooted resistance to prolonged repression. Although the risk of civil war should be seen as a worst‑case scenario, the current situation underscores the fragility of Iran’s internal stability. For now, the situation remains one to watch closely. 

References

Al Jazeera and News Agencies. (2026, January 9). Iran’s Khamenei lashes out as Tehran struggles to quell protests. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/9/irans-khamenei-lashes-out-as-tehran-struggles-to-quell-protests