Iran’s protests intensify as top judge vows harsh response

Iran is facing its most serious wave of unrest in years, driven by a deepening economic crisis and public fury over inflation, governance, and restrictions on daily life. Demonstrations that started in commercial hubs have spread into many parts of the country, including western provinces where clashes have been especially intense. Senior officials have signaled a hard line. Iran’s top judge warned there would be no leniency for people accused of supporting protests or cooperating with what the government describes as hostile foreign powers. At the same time, the government has tried limited economic relief measures, but they have not halted the momentum. Human rights monitors and news reports describe mass arrests and a growing death toll, while funerals and memorial gatherings have sometimes turned into new flashpoints for demonstrations. Accounts from affected areas include reports of tear gas and live fire being used against crowds. The situation remains volatile, with the government balancing crackdowns, messaging about national security, and incremental economic steps—while protesters continue to frame their demands as both economic and political.

07.01.2026

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-top-judge-warns-protesters-no-leniency-unrest-persists-2026-01-07/