Popular protests against the Islamic regime, that began on December 28 have continued to expand and have now spread to at least 50 cities across country. Demonstrations against the ruling authorities are currently ongoing in numerous locations, including but not limited to: Qom, Ilam, Azna, Abdanan, Darreh Shahr, Eslamshahr, Khomeini Shahr, Dezful, Babol, Dorud, Baghmalek (Khuzestan), Tehran, Malard, Karaj, Kermanshah, Isfahan, Kish, Shiraz, Ahvaz, Hamedan, Mashhad, Qeshm, Dargahan (Qeshm), Arak, Mamasani, Kazerun, Zahedan, Urmia, Farsan (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province), Izeh, Khorramabad, Shahrekord, Fasa, Sabzevar, Shirvan, Yazd, Junqan, Yasuj, Nahavand, Kuhdasht, Chenaran, Marvdasht, Qazvin, Nourabad Delfan, Lordegan, Harsin, Shahin Shahr, Islamabad-e Gharb, Kavar (Fars Province), and the village of Sangan in Dashtiari.
Reports indicate that protesters in several cities have confronted security and repressive forces. In some cases, security forces were forced to withdraw, while demonstrators targeted government buildings, institutions, and official symbols.
Nighttime protests have been reported today in Isfahan, Qom, Ilam, Kavar (Shiraz), Vakil Abad in Mashhad, Ma’ali in Shiraz, and other areas. In Harsin (Kermanshah Province), residents marched along Shariati Street chanting slogans against poverty, corruption, and inflation. In Qom and Kavar (Fars), protesters reportedly drove away security forces. In Junqan, demonstrators forced entry into the Industry and Mining Administration, while in Darreh Shahr banners bearing the image of Ali Khamenei were removed throughout the city.
Further reports state that in Kuhdasht, young protesters erected barricades while chanting slogans against the Supreme Leader. In Kavar (Shiraz), a shop affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was set on fire. In Hamedan, protesters reportedly seized control of several streets, removed government signage, returned tear gas canisters toward security forces, and attacked an ambulance transporting security personnel. In Azna (Lorestan Province), the city police station was reportedly attacked. In Nourabad (Lorestan), a vehicle belonging to intelligence agents was set on fire. In Junqan, the office of the interim Friday prayer leader was also set ablaze.
In Ilam, large numbers of residents reportedly took to the streets and clashed with security forces. In Eslamshahr (Tehran Province), particularly in the Qaleh Mir area, crowds joined the protests while chanting slogans emphasizing unity and collective resistance. Demonstrations and public marches were also reported in Qom.
In parallel, protests have continued at a number of universities nationwide. Students at the University of Tehran, Shahid Beheshti University, universities in Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and several other institutions have held regular gatherings and demonstrations.
According to available information, approximately 30 protesters have been arrested in various cities so far. Additionally, at least three individuals have been reported killed as a result of direct gunfire by government forces.
At the same time, strikes and work stoppages have been reported among oil workers and in several other sectors, including the railway sleeper (travers) and steel industries.
It has also been reported that Amirhossein Gholizadeh, a student previously detained, was released following coordinated protests by students at the male and female dormitories of Shahid Beheshti University and has since returned to the dormitory.
In solidarity with the ongoing popular protests, multiple statements of support have been issued by labor organizations and associations. These include the Union of Truckers’ and Truck Drivers’ Associations Across Iran, the Eslamshahr Teachers’ Cultural Association, the Retirees’ Union, and the “Demand-Seeking Retirees of Kermanshah.”
Additionally, Afghan singer Ghougha Taban publicly expressed her support for the Iranian people’s movement by performing the song “Forever, Woman, Life, Freedom.”