'At least 648 protesters killed so far': Norway-based group's big claim on Iran protests

'Foreign powers interfering in Iran': Russia

Russia on Monday condemned what it called attempts by "foreign powers" to interfere in Iran, after the United States threatened to intervene in the Islamic republic's deadly crackdown on protesters.

In a call with his Iranian counterpart, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu "strongly condemned yet another attempt by foreign powers to interfere in Iran's internal affairs," state media reported, in Moscow's first reaction to the widespread unrest. (AFP)

Over 600 killed in Iran protests, Norway-based group claims

At least 648 protesters killed in Iran crackdown: Norway-based rights group (AFP)

'Iran fighting war against terrorists': Parliament speaker at pro-govt rally

Iran's parliament speaker on Monday described the response to a protest wave that has gripped the Islamic republic as a "war against terrorists", as he addressed a vast pro-government rally in Tehran.

Iran is fighting a "four-front war", Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, listing economic war, psychological war, "military war" with the United States and Israel and "today a war against terrorists".

"The great Iranian nation has never allowed the enemy to achieve its goals," he said, flanked by the slogans "Death to Israel, Death to America" in Persian, and vowing the Iranian military would teach US President Donald Trump "an unforgettable lesson" in case of a new attack. (AFP)

Demonstrations held in London, Paris, Istanbul back to Iran protests

Demonstrators rallied in London, Paris and Istanbul on Sunday in support of protests in Iran that have been countered with a deadly crackdown by the country's security forces.

London demonstrations, initially in front of the Iranian embassy and later in front of the British prime minister's residence, grew to several thousand as the day progressed.

In Paris, more than 2,000 people waving Iran's flag from before the Islamic Revolution in 1979 demonstrated, to chants of "No to the terrorist Islamic Republic".

In Istanbul, demonstrators voicing support for the Iranian protesters gathered in steady rain. (AFP)

Police cordoned off the area outside the Iranian consulate and the crowd was kept away from the mission.

EU to impose more sanctions on Iran over 'repression' of protests?

The EU is "looking into" imposing additional sanctions on Iran over the repression of protests convulsing the country, the bloc said Monday.

"We stand ready to propose new, more severe sanctions following the violent crackdown on protesters," EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni said. (AFP)

J&K Students Association seeks PM Modi's help to evacuate Indian students from Iran

J&K Students Association (JKSA) on Monday sought the help of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to evacuate Kashmiri students from Iran.

JKSA has urged the highest authorities to undertake urgent intervention to ensure the safety, security, dignity, and overall welfare of Indian students, particularly those from the Kashmir Valley, currently studying in Iran.

The Association said that due to the ongoing disturbances in Iran, parents of Kashmiri students are extremely distressed and anxious, fearing for the safety and well-being of their children.

National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, expressed grave concern over the situation of hundreds of Indian students, the majority of whom are from Jammu and Kashmir, who are pursuing MBBS and other professional medical courses in Iran owing to its affordable education system and long-standing academic and people-to-people ties with India.

'Our hour is approaching': Venezuela's Machado backs Iran protests

Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has expressed strong support for protesters in Iran, praising their continued demonstrations against the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a post on X, Machado said, "My deepest respect to the brave people of Iran who, at this hour, continue protesting in the streets of more than 100 cities in that country, despite the brutal repression they face."

She said Iranians were rejecting years of hardship under an authoritarian system, adding, "Iranians reject the hunger and oppression to which they have been subjected for years by an authoritarian regime, a regime that infiltrated Latin America to associate with criminal systems like chavismo in Venezuela."

Machado's remarks come at a time when Venezuela itself is facing an unprecedented political moment following the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro by the United States. (ANI)

After anti-govt protests, pro-govt protesters take to Tehran streets

Iran drew tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators to the streets Monday in a show of power after nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocracy.

Iranian state television showed images of demonstrators thronging Tehran toward Enghelab Square, or “Islamic Revolution” Square in the capital.

It called the demonstration an “Iranian uprising against American-Zionist terrorism,” without addressing the underlying anger in the country over the nation’s ailing economy. That sparked the protests over two weeks ago.

State television aired images of such demonstrations around the country, trying to signal it had overcome the protests, as claimed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier in the day. (AP)

'Urge Indian students in Iran not to venture out': MEA

"On Iran and Greenland... I won't be able to go into the details of what the two leaders discussed... We are watching the developments in Iran... We have a significant community of expatriate Indians and also students from India in Iran. Despite the restrictions in place, our embassy has been able to reach out to the student community and find that they are all doing well and have not faced any difficulties thus far. We have advised all of our compatriots there not to venture out or find themselves in the middle of the disturbances," says foreign secretary Vikram Misri.

Iran Revolutionary Guards denounce Trump's blatant intervention'

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) strongly condemned recent terrorist acts carried out amid violent unrest in Iran and criticized US President Donald Trump for what it described as "blatant interference" in the country's internal matters, reported state network Press TV.

In a statement released on Sunday night (local time), the IRGC said that, as with past attempts at destabilization by Iran's adversaries, the latest acts of sabotage committed by terrorist groups backed by the United States and Israel are destined to fail.

The IRGC said, "The recent sedition and atrocities committed by the rioters and armed terrorists across the country, which have led to the martyrdom of hundreds of the people and defenders of the security of our beloved Iran, are in fact an extension of the 12-day imposed war by the United States and the criminal Zionist regime, and a barbaric act of revenge for the historic defeat in that great battleground."

It accused Washington and Tel Aviv of seeking revenge against the Iranian people for their failure in the recent aggression, adding that Trump openly promotes violence and contemporary forms of terrorism against Iran with the backing of Western governments and media, alongside what it referred to as the racist leadership of the Israeli regime. (ANI)

'Communication channels open with US envoy': Iran

Iran foreign ministry says communications channel 'open' with US envoy, reports AFP.

'Not seeking but fully prepared for war': Iran FM warns US

Iran foreign minister Abbas Aragchi on Monday said that it is fully prepared for conflict but also ready for negotiations. This comes as US President Donald Trump said the Iranian leadership was seeking talks after he threatened to intervene militarily over a crackdown on protests.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a conference of foreign ambassadors in Tehran broadcast by state TV. "We are also ready for negotiations but these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect."

China condemns US actions in Iran

China on Monday said that it opposes foreign "interference" in other countries after US President Donald Trump threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters.

"We always oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news conference when asked about Trump's comments.

"We call on all parties to do more things conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East," she added.

'We are ready for war but also for dialogue', says Iran FM

Iran internet shutdown has now lasted over 84 hours, reports AP

‘Situation has come under total control’, says foreign minister after crackdown

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday claimed that “the situation has come under total control” following a crackdown on nationwide protests. Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi said the demonstrations had “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for US President Donald Trump to intervene.

Araghchi did not provide any evidence to support his claims. His remarks came even as activists reported that more than 500 people have been killed over the past two weeks, with the vast majority of the dead believed to be demonstrators, reported AP.

The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera network, which has continued reporting despite Iran’s internet shutdown, carried Araghchi’s comments.

UN chief expresses shock over reported violence against protesters in Iran

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday said he was "shocked" by reports of violence against protesters in Iran and called on the government to show restraint. Guterres "is shocked by the reports of violence and excessive use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters," his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement, adding a call "to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force."

Trump says talks being set up after threat of strikes

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran has proposed negotiations after he threatened military action over Tehran’s bloody crackdown on protesters, as activists said the death toll has risen to at least 544.Trump’s remarks came as his administration weighs a range of possible responses against Iran, including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the United States or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions. Addressing reporters on Sunday night, Trump signaled tough options were on the table. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,”he said.

When asked about Iran’s threats of retaliation, Trump warned: “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.” Later, speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration was working to arrange talks with Tehran, but cautioned that action could come first as reports of deaths and arrests continue to emerge from Iran.

“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said, adding: “Iran wants to negotiate.” He further said: “The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate.”

Iran declares three days of mourning for security forces killed in protests

The Iranian government announced three days of national mourning for security personnel and others killed during two weeks of protests, according to state television. The authorities framed the unrest as an “Iranian national resistance battle against America and the Zionist regime,” a term used by the clerical leadership for Israel. President Masoud Pezeshkian called on citizens to join a nationwide “resistance march” on Monday to condemn what the government described as violence by “urban terrorist criminals.”

Iranian president vows to listen to protesters but warns against rioters

Iran's president in his address to nation said on Sunday, it is there duty to listen to peoples concerns but the bigger responsibility is to protect the country, accusing rioters of trying to “destroy the entire society” as demonstrations sweep across the Islamic Republic.

The comments from Masoud Pezeshkian represent a hardening tone from the reformist leader, who so far has been unable to assuage the public, as anger over the country's ailing economy exploded into a direct challenge to the nation's theocracy.

“People have concerns, we should sit with them and if it is our duty, we should resolve their concerns,” Pezeshkian said. “But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society," Pezeshkian said in an interview with Iranian state television.

Iran attorney general warns anyone taking part in protests will be considered an 'enemy of God,' a death-penalty charge, according to AP

Major Iranian cities were swept by fresh mass demonstrations overnight, with protesters condemning the Islamic Republic as activists warned on Saturday that authorities were stepping up their crackdown under the cover of a nationwide internet blackout.Now in their second week, the protests represent one of the most serious challenges faced by Iran’s ruling clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, even as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has struck a defiant tone and blamed the unrest on the United States.After the movement’s largest rallies so far on Thursday, further protests erupted late on Friday, according to images verified by AFP and videos circulating on social media. These demonstrations continued despite an internet shutdown imposed by the authorities, with monitoring group Netblocks saying early Saturday that “metrics show the nationwide internet blackout remains in place at 36 hours.”

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi calls for nationwide strikes; preparing to return to Iran

Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, living in exile, on Saturday issued a fresh call for mass strikes and intensified street protests, urging Iranians working in key economic sectors to stop work and move towards occupying the centre of Tehran.

In a video message posted on X, Pahlavi voiced strong support for protesters across Iran and praised their continued demonstrations against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ruling establishment. “My dear compatriots, through your courage and resilience, you have earned the admiration of the world,” he said, referring to protests held across the country on Friday evening. Calling the demonstrations a “crushing response” to threats from the leadership, Pahlavi claimed the Iranian leader “saw these images from his hideout and trembled with fear.”

The exiled crown prince said the next phase of the movement must focus on economic pressure and sustained street presence. “I call upon the workers and employees of key economic sectors—especially transportation, oil, gas, and energy—to begin the process of nationwide strikes,” he said.

He also appealed for coordinated protests over the weekend. “I ask all of you today and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (January 9 and 10/Day 20 and 21), starting from 6:00 PM, to take to the streets with flags, portraits, and national symbols to reclaim public spaces,” Pahlavi said. He added that the objective had now shifted: “Our goal is no longer merely to be present in the streets; the goal is to prepare for the capture and holding of city centres.”

Urging protesters to converge strategically, he said, “Move toward the central parts of cities from as many different routes as possible and merge separate crowds together,” while asking demonstrators to prepare to remain on the streets. Addressing security personnel sympathetic to the movement, Pahlavi called on them to “slow down and disrupt the machine of suppression more than ever before.”

In a significant claim, Pahlavi also said he was preparing to return to Iran. “I, too, am preparing for my return to the homeland to stand beside you, the great nation of Iran, at the moment of our national revolution’s victory. I believe that day is very near,” he said.

Iran unrest: Khamenei insists 'won't back down' in face of protests

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei maintained that the Islamic republic would “not back down” despite protests that have grown into the largest demonstrations so far in an almost two-week-long movement driven by anger over soaring living costs.Late on Thursday, crowds opposing the clerical establishment poured into major cities, chanting slogans such as “death to the dictator” and torching government buildings.Internet monitoring group Netblocks said authorities enforced a nationwide connectivity shutdown late Thursday, adding early Friday that the country had “now been offline for 12 hours... in an attempt to suppress sweeping protests”.The unrest marks one of the most serious challenges to the Islamic republic in more than four and a half decades, with demonstrators openly demanding an end to its theocratic system.

Iran unrest: Khamenei says 'arrogant' Trump will be 'overthrown

"Everyone should know that the Islamic Republic came to power with the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people, and it will not back down in the face of saboteurs,” Khamenei said.Referring to unrest in the capital, he said protesters were acting to please the US president. “They want to make him happy. If he knew how to run a country, he would run his own,” he said, adding that there were many problems inside the United States.

Iran protests live: Trump's stern warning to Tehran

US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Iran’s leadership, threatening severe consequences if security forces use deadly force against protesters.“I have let them know that if they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots — they have lots of riots — if they do it, we are going to hit them very hard,” Trump said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

Iran protests live: Iran cuts power, internet as protests escalate

Iranian authorities imposed sweeping restrictions on electricity, internet access and international phone services across large parts of the country as protests intensified overnight. Monitoring groups NetBlocks and Cloudflare said the outage appeared to be the result of deliberate government interference. Calls from abroad, including from Dubai, failed to connect, effectively cutting millions off from the outside world. Past blackouts in Iran have often preceded tougher crackdowns by security forces.

Iran leadership responds with warnings, economic moves

President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged public anger and said his government would listen to the “legitimate demands” of protesters, while warning against violence and damage to public property. Prosecutors cautioned that unrest posing security threats would face a “decisive response.” Amid the crisis, Pezeshkian appointed a new central bank chief, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei named a senior IRGC commander to a key post, signalling tighter security as protests continue.

Clashes turn violent; Deaths, injuries reported in multiple cities

Violent confrontations were reported in several cities, with state media confirming that a Basij paramilitary officer was killed in Lorestan province and at several were injured. In the southern city of Fasa, protesters attempted to storm the governor’s office, damaging property and prompting arrests. Military helicopters were seen overhead, a move opposition groups said was meant to intimidate residents.

Iran protests live: What sparked the protests: Currency crash, inflation, job worries

The unrest began in Tehran’s major bazaars, where shopkeepers shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of the Iranian rial. The currency has lost nearly half its value against the US dollar in 2025, pushing inflation to around 50 percent and driving up prices of basic goods. By Tuesday, university students and residents across provinces joined the protests, voicing concerns over unemployment, rising costs and governance failures.

Iran protests live: Internet curbs, security deployments as protests spread nationwide

As demonstrations expanded to multiple cities, Iranian authorities imposed sweeping restrictions on internet and phone services, raising concerns over a potential crackdown. Videos shared online before the blackout showed clashes between protesters and security forces in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Fasa, with chants of “Down with the Dictator” and “Down with Khamenei” echoing through the streets.

Iran protests live: Iran shuts down daily life as protests intensify

Iran is witnessing massive protests as a government-ordered shutdown brought normal life to a halt across large parts of the country. Authorities declared a sudden public holiday in 21 of Iran’s 31 provinces, forcing the closure of markets, universities and government offices, including in Tehran. The move was widely seen as an attempt to curb the spread of protests sparked by economic hardship and political anger.