Key Facts
• Late December 2025: Protests begin across Iran over rising prices.
• January 11, 2026: Human rights group reports 496 protester deaths, 48 security personnel deaths, total 544.
• Death toll may exceed 1,000 including ongoing investigations.
• January 9, 2026: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejects US military threats.
• January 12, 2026 (Japan time): US President Donald Trump suggests possible military intervention.
• Trump states strong options are being considered to stop killings.
• Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi calls for protests from home and streets.
• Some demonstrators demand restoration of monarchy.
• Trump reveals Iranian leaders contacted US for negotiations.
• January 11, 2026: Japan raises Iran travel advisory to Level 3 (travel suspension).
Summary
Widespread anti-government protests erupted in Iran starting late December 2025, triggered by soaring living costs. By January 11, 2026, at least 544 people, including protesters and security forces, have died, with the total possibly exceeding 1,000. The Iranian government has responded with internet blackouts and harsh crackdowns. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has taken a defiant stance against US threats. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump hinted at military intervention on January 12, 2026, emphasizing the need to stop unjust killings and revealing that Iranian leaders sought negotiations. Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, exiled in the US, urged citizens to continue protesting, with some demonstrators calling for monarchy restoration. In response to escalating violence, Japan raised its travel advisory for Iran to Level 3, advising against all travel. This situation remains highly volatile with international attention focused on Iran’s internal unrest and potential foreign involvement.
