The Iranian opposition has confirmed the deaths of 57 protesters during demonstrations against the ayatollahs’ regime.

The protests began on 28 December 2025, following the collapse of the Iranian currency, with the rial having lost nearly 80% of its value since last year. From the outset, demonstrators have chanted slogans such as “Death to the dictator,” “Death to Khamenei,” and “This year is the year of blood, and Khamenei will be overthrown.”

Short video roundup – Iran Protests, Day 13

https://x.com/Mojahedineng/status/2009915780058521828

The opposition People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK) has published the names of 57 protesters killed so far (referred to as martyrs in resistance communications). Hundreds more have been injured, and thousands arrested in recent days. The number of detainees has reached the thousands, with most being held in legal limbo under dire conditions.

The regime has launched a massive crackdown using live ammunition. In some cities, repressive forces have even entered hospitals to arrest injured protesters. These acts are unequivocally crimes against humanity. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has labelled the protesters “rioters”, “vandals”, and “saboteurs”, while Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has ordered the protests to be crushed and warned of harsh punitive measures.

Since 8 January 2026, the regime—fearing further escalation of the nationwide uprising—has imposed a “digital blackout”, completely shutting down internet access across Iran (with some localised disruptions having begun earlier). The Iranian Resistance calls for urgent international action to ensure free and unrestricted internet access for the people of Iran.

Key features distinguishing the current protests from previous uprisings:

First: The scale and scope of the uprising are unprecedented. Protests have spread to all 31 provinces, and in several cities, tens of thousands have taken to the streets. On 9 January (Day 13), protests intensified in Tehran and Karaj despite lethal crackdowns the previous night, during which many protesters were martyred. State Radio and Television buildings in Isfahan and other government centres were set ablaze, while market strikes took place in Kurdistan and 12 other provinces.

Second: The protests are rooted in deep structural crises: a collapsing economy, soaring prices, the near-80% devaluation of the currency since last year, water and electricity shortages, and widespread poverty. The regime has no viable solutions, meaning the underlying causes of the uprising remain unresolved.

Third: A new national mood has emerged. Generation Z is at the forefront, pushing back against repression. Following attacks by security forces, people in several cities have destroyed centres of repression and regime-affiliated buildings. Thanks to the PMOI’s network of Resistance Units, protesters are more organised and better prepared to confront security forces. In Abdanan and Malekshahi in western Iran, and Lordegan in central Iran, people took control of their towns for several hours.

Fourth: Chants of “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Leader” have been heard across the country, including in Sadeghieh and Coca-Cola districts of Tehran, as well as Tabriz, Sanandaj, Kermanshah, and Urmia. In Urmia, protesters chanted: “Azerbaijan is honourable; Pahlavi is dishonourable.”
At the same time, in an effort to divert the uprising from its central demand—the overthrow of the regime—state agents have been inserted into crowds to promote slogans advocating a return to monarchy. This tactic seeks to sow discord and discourage participation. However, Iranians have repeatedly rejected all forms of dictatorship, a rejection clearly reflected in the dominant chant: “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Supreme Leader.”

The IRGC cyber army, alongside remnants of the Shah’s former one-party dictatorship operating abroad, has circulated fabricated video clips falsely claiming that protesters seek the restoration of the monarchy. Dozens of such doctored videos have been identified, in which original audio has been replaced. This disinformation has contributed to lower turnout among Kurds, Azeris, Arabs, and Baluchis, communities that suffered severe repression under the Shah’s regime.

The overthrow of the regime can only be achieved by the Iranian people and their organised resistance. Mrs Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, has made clear that the Resistance seeks neither military intervention nor financial support from foreign governments. It relies solely on the Iranian people, its internal networks, and in particular the PMOI Resistance Units, which are actively operating across the country and leading the protests on the ground.

It is time for democratic governments to move beyond expressions of concern and stand firmly with the Iranian people, recognising their right—and the right of the defiant youth risking their lives—to establish a free, democratic, and secular republic in Iran.