The city of Zahedan, the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran, once again became the scene of popular protests. The protests in Zahedan on Friday, January 16, spilled into the streets immediately after Friday prayers. These gatherings took place in a highly securitized atmosphere. The heavy presence of military forces failed to prevent the outbreak of popular protests.
After the end of Friday prayers, a group of Zahedan residents gathered in the streets surrounding Makki Mosque, the main Sunni Mosque in the city. The protesters chanted “Khamenei is a murderer; his rule is illegitimate.”
Over 50,000 Arrests During the Bloodiest Crackdown #IranProt #FreeIran2026ests #IranRevolutionhttps://t.co/8DbnJ40tPQ
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Chants of “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the dictator” were among the other slogans heard during the Zahedan protests. The protests by the people of Zahedan took place as the Iranian regime, gripped by fear, carried out brutal killings in cities across Iran.
The military siege of Zahedan on the day of protest
As the protests in Zahedan took shape, the city took on a militarized atmosphere. Military and security forces were deployed across the city from the early hours of the day. Roads leading to Makki Mosque were placed under strict control. Military vehicles were widely present in the streets.
This heavy deployment severely restricted citizens’ movement. Armed forces set up checkpoints. The regime’s security institutions sought to suppress any gathering. Nevertheless, protests formed and chants echoed throughout the city.
The securitized atmosphere in Zahedan was not limited to Friday. In the preceding days, signs of a full security alert were visible throughout the city. Local reports indicated an increased presence of plainclothes security agents. These measures caused widespread concern among residents.
On Thursday, January 15, security forces went to shops. These forces appeared in protest-prone neighborhoods of Zahedan and Chabahar, a port city in Sistan and Baluchestan province. They confiscated the memory cards of CCTV cameras. This action was carried out without presenting any judicial warrant.
Citizens view this action as an attempt to identify protesters. The collection of footage is considered part of the security pressure ahead of the Zahedan protests. Such behavior has made the atmosphere of repression more overt.
