Uprising in Iran enters ninth day with mass protests and intensified repression
The movement, which has spread to 107 cities, openly challenges the regime as security forces respond with mass arrests, shootings and disinformation campaigns
Demonstrations resume in several cities as the regime launches mass arrests in Ilam. Night-time protests took place in Tehran, Arak, Isfahan and other cities, with slogans such as ‘It's the year of blood, Khamenei will be overthrown’. The nationwide uprising against Iran's religious dictatorship entered its ninth consecutive day on Monday, 5 January 2026. Following a bloody Sunday marked by the regime's attack on a hospital in Ilam and violent clashes in Tehran, the protests show no signs of slowing down.
Reports from across the country indicate that demonstrations have resumed in Tehran's commercial districts and have spread significantly to the western provinces, especially Kermanshah. What began as a reaction to economic collapse has consolidated into a political movement demanding the overthrow of the ruling theocracy. The PMOI, Iran's main organised opposition force, published on Monday 5 January the verified names of 13 additional martyrs of the uprising, bringing the total number of identified martyrs of freedom to 31.
At the same time, the regime continues to attempt to divert and exploit the demonstrations by spreading manipulated videos to feign support for the overthrown monarchy. Many of these videos come from the Saudi-funded satellite channel Iran International. There is evidence that Revolutionary Guard agents dressed in civilian clothes infiltrated the protesters to chant slogans in favour of Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, with the aim of falsely presenting the uprising as a monarchist movement, sowing division and undermining the popular demand to overthrow the current regime.
On the night of Sunday, 4 January, the eighth day of the national uprising, Tehran and numerous other cities were the scene of intense demonstrations and repeated clashes between young rebels and the regime's repressive forces. The night-time protests were characterised by rapid clashes and chants of ‘Death to Khamenei’. Over the past eight days, the uprising has spread to 107 cities across Iran, representing a significant escalation in both scale and intensity.
There is evidence of a notable change in the attitude of the protesters: many now openly confront the repressive forces rather than passively submitting to arrest or beatings. This reflects growing confidence, defiance and political determination across the country.
For his part, the head of the Iranian judiciary, Mullah Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, issued an explicit threat on Monday, 5 January, signalling the regime's intention to intensify the crackdown. Ejei warned that harsh measures would be taken against protesters, language widely understood as preparation for a brutal crackdown that could include mass arrests and executions.
He stated: ‘We will act decisively against those who seek to abuse this situation to create unrest and disrupt the security of the country and the people. We will act in accordance with the law and will not remain silent in the face of rioters... There will be no concessions or appeasement. There is no place for mercy towards rioters and agitators.’
In many cities — including Ilam, Zahedan, Arak, Lahijan, Kermanshah, Jorramabad, Nourabad Mamasani, Yasuj, Fooladshahr, Qeshm, and several districts of Tehran such as Naziabad, Valiasr, and Haft-Hoz Narmak—citizens and young people confronted security forces by lighting fires, blocking roads, setting fire to rubbish bins, and throwing Molotov cocktails.
In several locations, protesters burned large banners and posters with images of Khamenei and Khomeini, including Fardis (Karaj), Shandiz (Mashhad) and Meshkan (Neyriz). In Kermanshah, Fooladshahr and Qeshm, it is reported that repressive forces opened fire on protesters.
Video compilations of the protests in Iran are available:
Day 8 (4 January, night): https://x.com/Mojahedineng/status/2008118724369301824
Day 9 (5 January, day and night): https://x.com/Mojahedineng/status/2008249473617559614
Night: https://x.com/Mojahedineng/status/2008455029422694729
Latest: https://x.com/Maryam_Rajavi/status/2008157837709455824