Iran protests spread to 100+ cities, heaping pressure on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran has been gripped by its largest wave of unrest in years, with protests spreading rapidly across the country as frustration over economic collapse and political repression boils over.

While the demonstrations did not begin as an explicit call for regime change, analysts say the mood on the streets is shifting in that direction as anger deepens and the state response hardens.

Protests spread nationwide

Demonstrations have now been reported in more than 100 cities and towns across Iran, reflecting widespread discontent rather than isolated unrest.

Much of the anger is driven by economic pain. Iran’s economy is shrinking, with soaring inflation eroding living standards and leaving many citizens struggling to make ends meet.

What began as protests over daily hardships has increasingly taken on political overtones, as chants and slogans grow more openly critical of the ruling Islamic system.

Deadly crackdown and mass arrests

Human rights groups estimate that as many as 500 people may have been killed during the security forces’ crackdown on protesters. Thousands more are believed to have been injured.

Reports also suggest that up to 10,000 people were arrested in a single night as authorities moved aggressively to contain the unrest. The scale of the response has intensified fears of further bloodshed if protests continue.

International threats and rising tensions

The unrest has drawn sharp international attention. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump warned that Iran’s leaders should not violently suppress protesters, saying ‘all options are on the table,’ language widely interpreted as a renewed military threat.

Iranian officials in Tehran have pushed back, accusing the United States and Israel of orchestrating or encouraging the protests. Tehran has warned that it would respond to any external military action.

What happens next?

Whether the protests can translate into meaningful political change remains uncertain. Iran has weathered major uprisings before, often at a heavy human cost, and the state still retains formidable security and surveillance capabilities.

What is clear is that the combination of economic collapse, public anger and international pressure has created one of the most volatile moments for Iran’s leadership in years, with outcomes that could range from intensified repression to unpredictable regional consequences.

For more information, listen to international correspondent Adam Gilchrist using the audio player below: