January 8, 2026
Iran’s nationwide protest movement entered its twelfth day on Thursday amid an escalating crackdown by security forces, widespread strikes across major cities, and a near-total internet blackout, as authorities struggled to contain the most sustained unrest in years.
The demonstrations, which began on December 28, 2025, following the sharp collapse of the national currency and soaring inflation, have since evolved into a broader political uprising calling for the overthrow of the ruling establishment. On Thursday, clashes intensified in multiple regions, particularly in western Iran, where reports described deadly confrontations and significant civilian casualties.
January 8: Protesters in Gorgan set fire to a regime security forces vehicle#IranProtests #FreeIran2026 #IranRevolution pic.twitter.com/OKaFFHyUEP
— Iran Focus (@Iran_Focus) January 8, 2026
In the western city of Lordegan, security forces opened fire on protesters during overnight and early-morning clashes, killing at least eight people, according to local reports. Demonstrators reportedly blocked major roads in an attempt to prevent reinforcements from reaching the city, while clashes continued throughout the day. Authorities have not released official casualty figures.
As unrest spread, internet monitoring organization NetBlocks confirmed a nationwide internet blackout, with particularly severe disruptions reported in Kermanshah province. The shutdown appeared aimed at limiting communication and restricting the flow of information as protests expanded and casualties mounted.
Despite the blackout, demonstrations continued across the country. In Tehran, crowds gathered in several districts, chanting anti-government slogans and clashing with security forces. Protesters reportedly set fire to Basij bases and vehicles linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in multiple neighborhoods, including Mehrabad, Sattarkhan Bridge, and Naziabad.
Kermanshah remained one of the main flashpoints, with reports of live ammunition being used against protesters in districts such as Dareh Deraz. Demonstrations persisted despite injuries, as crowds marched through the city chanting slogans calling for the removal of the country’s leadership. Local reports also indicated the presence of Arabic-speaking forces alongside Iranian security units.
In other parts of the country, protests escalated into attacks on government buildings. Demonstrators set fire to the headquarters of the state broadcaster in Isfahan, as well as the governorate building in Gorgan. Similar incidents were reported in cities including Bijar, Qorveh, Lumar, and Rasht.
January 8: Kermanshah NOW#IranProtests #FreeIran2026 #IranRevolution pic.twitter.com/dWIuGjXXwP
— Iran Focus (@Iran_Focus) January 8, 2026
Meanwhile, large-scale strikes continued to paralyze economic activity. Markets and shops remained closed across Kurdistan province, including in Sanandaj, Mahabad, Marivan, and Baneh. Strikes were also reported in Tabriz, Bandar Abbas, Ilam, Neyshabur, Sabzevar, and several other cities, signaling growing participation from merchants and shopkeepers nationwide.
Protests were reported across all major regions of Iran, from Mashhad in the northeast to Shiraz and Ahvaz in the south, and from Ardabil and Urmia in the northwest to Karaj near Tehran. Demonstrators continued to chant slogans rejecting both the current system and alternative forms of authoritarian rule.
Opposition figures abroad condemned the use of lethal force and praised the persistence of protesters, while Iranian authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive public response addressing the scope of the unrest, the internet shutdown, or the reported deaths.
As night fell on January 8, demonstrations continued in dozens of cities despite heavy security deployments, signaling that the crisis remains unresolved and that Iran faces a prolonged period of instability.
