Iran Protests Timeline
For 47 years, the people of Iran have lived under a violent Islamic regime built on repression, fear, and systematic human rights violations. Today, Iranians are not asking for reform — they are demanding regime change.
Recent nationwide uprising:
43,000+ killed · 350,000+ injured · 10,000+ blinded
20,000+ arrested · 15+ executed · thousands at imminent risk
Hospitals, prisons, and courts have been turned into tools of terror. Families are threatened into silence, and internet access is weaponized against the people.
The Islamic Regime’s violence does not stop at Iran’s borders. For decades, it has used national resources to fund and arm destabilizing forces and proxy groups across the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hashd al-Shaabi—fueling conflict, enabling repression, and prolonging insecurity far beyond Iran. The fall of Islamic regime brings peace to the middle us and leads to global peace.
After the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement broke the regime’s grip of fear, the Iranian people are now aiming at its core. A transitional leadership and a clear roadmap toward a democratic, secular future exist. What is missing is real international action.
Our demands:
- Protect the people of Iran by weakening the regime’s machinery of repression, especially by targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its commanders, its command structure, and its infrastructure.
- Maximum economic pressure by blocking the regime’s assets around the world and targeting its clandestine network of oil tankers, known as the “shadow fleet.”
- Provide internet for Iran through Starlink and other secure communications tools, and disable the regime’s ability to shut down the internet.
- Expel the regime’s diplomats and pursue legal action against perpetrators of crimes against humanity.
- The immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.
- Prepare for a democratic transition in Iran and recognize a legitimate transitional government.
Silence costs lives. A free Iran means peace beyond borders.
What happened in Iran during the recent uprising?
Day 17 — Jan 13
Reports described unprecedented violence and sharply rising estimates amid continuing communication restrictions. The document cites earlier estimates (Reuters and human-rights organizations) of 2,000–5,000 killed, and later reporting (CBS as a BBC partner) suggesting around 12,000, possibly as high as 20,000 — with warnings that confirmed figures likely undercount reality due to blackouts. Casualties (as cited/attributed in document): 2,000–5,000 (earlier estimate), ~12,000 (later report), up to 20,000 (upper estimate).
Day 16 — Jan 12
State media broadcast pro-government marches organized by government institutions, while repression continued. No official death toll, but human rights organizations estimate “thousands” killed and injured since the protests began. After four days of nationwide blackout, some domestic services partially resumed; Netblocks confirmed the shutdown exceeded 84 hours. Casualties: “Thousands killed and injured”. Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported at least 648 protesters killed, including 9 children, plus “thousands injured” (IHRNGO notes verification is extremely difficult under blackout conditions). IHRNGO warned officials were labeling protesters as mohareb (“enemies of God”) and other capital charges, and cited an unverified report that detainee Erfan Soltani (26 years old) faced imminent execution (claimed date Jan 14).
Day 15 — Jan 11
The internet shutdown entered a fourth day, further enabling repression without scrutiny. Videos published that day reportedly showed a large number of bodies at Kahrizak forensic hospital, with families mourning and identifying victims—another visual confirmation of mass fatalities during the blackout. HRANA reported 544 dead, with 579 additional death reports under investigation, including 8 children (under 18) recorded among the dead. Reuters estimated the number of killings to be more than 500 people. According to HRANA, 10,600 were arrested over two weeks, and 96 forced-confession cases were broadcast by state media / pro-government outlets to date.
The scale of killing drew intensified global reaction; the UN Secretary-General said he was “shocked” by reports of the level of violence used against protesters.
Day 14 — Jan 10
The nationwide internet shutdown continued for a third consecutive day, keeping the country in an information blackout as protests reportedly persisted. Mobile phone receptions were almost totally cut off on Jan 8th, 9th, and 10th, and people were not able to make calls or send SMS. Calls via landline were also very disrupted during this time. All incoming and outgoing international calls via mobile phone and landline were also blocked.
Continued gatherings were reported in Tehran (often scattered, short-lived, fluid) due to a heavy security presence. Continued unrest was confirmed by HRANA in Shiraz and Zahedan (with intensified security deployments in Zahedan), and there were reports of surveillance drones over protest areas and security movements around locations in Tehran. Medical sources told BBC Persian that “110” bodies of protesters were found in the morgues of two hospitals in Rasht and Tehran alone, and that officers demanded 3000-7000 Euros in exchange for handing bodies to families, while the minimum wage in Iran is not even 100 Eurosper month.
Officials continued to claim unrest was “decreasing,” while pro-government media emphasized “vandalism” narratives—an ongoing tactic to erase state violence and shift blame onto protesters.
Day 13 — Jan 9
The internet remained down for a second day, severely restricting verification and reporting. Despite this, videos still emerged of widespread night protests in multiple cities and Tehran districts. In Zahedan, local sources reported security forces using tear gas and shotgun pellets to disperse protesters—consistent with the regime’s recurring use of “less-lethal” weapons that still cause severe injuries and deaths. Iran’s communications ministry explicitly stated the shutdown was ordered by “security authorities,” and t since the evening of Jan 8, the internet had been completely down and even access to domestic sites from outside Iran was impossible (even with VPN).
As the blackout persisted, reported death tolls rose. HRANA documented at least 65 deaths over the first 13 days and 2,311 arrests, while a Reuters dispatch cited 62 killed since the protests began, including 48 demonstrators (noting limits on independent verification). HRANA also reported at least 167 minors among detainees and said forced-confession broadcasts had increased during the crackdown. Politically, the regime escalated its threats: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned against the protests and repeated the state narrative that unrest is driven by foreign enemies, promising a harsher response. At the same time, the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) warned that the blackout was preventing critical information on killings from reaching the world, citing credible reports of overwhelmed hospitals and plans for major protests again that night, raising fears of further mass casualties.
International responses escalated (including European governments raising alarm about violence and censorship), while inside Iran, top officials publicly doubled down on repressive language and blame-shifting.
Day 12 — Jan 8
This was described as the largest nationwide protest wave so far, with night protests reported across many major cities and neighborhoods, and multiple arson/attack reports tied to the escalation. There was no official death toll for Jan 8; the document notes unofficial reports claiming hundreds killed and injured that day (unverified), while providing a documented cumulative figure: HRANA reported 42 deaths over 12 days—29 protesting citizens, 8 security-military, and 5 children/teenagers under 18.
A major regime escalation was full-scale censorship: Netblocks reported the internet in Tehran and large parts of Iran was completely cut off, marking a nationwide blackout designed to suppress documentation and coordination.
State propaganda intensified in parallel: hardline outlets framed protests as “hybrid war” and signaled a “harsh response,” reinforcing the regime’s pattern of criminalizing dissent to justify lethal force and mass detention. +140 Arrests and 2,217 cumulative, including 165 minors was reported.
Day 11 — Jan 7
Crackdown continued alongside a pattern of targeted information-control: reports described protests and clashes in 111 cities in 31 provinces, while the internet was cut off in Lordegan, Malekshahi, and Abdanan—and once the blackout hit, footage and accounts from the worst-affected areas reportedly went silent. An internet-access researcher warned of preparations for a “national internet,” with restrictions tightening over the previous 11 days and even domestic connectivity disrupted—consistent with a strategy of killing and arresting in reduced visibility. Journalists were reportedly summoned and pressured to sign written pledges not to publish news, content, or analysis about protests; those who refused were reportedly threatened with arrest or prosecution.
Iran International reporting around Jan 7 reiterates Reza Pahlavi’s call for nationwide coordinated chanting at exactly 8:00 p.m. on Jan 8 and Jan 9 (street or home), emphasizing discipline and mass participation. Multiple sources describe seven Kurdish political groups calling for a general strike on Thursday, Jan 8. Due to the disruptions of the internet connections, no verified Jan-7-only count of killed people was reported on that day. But Illam was flagged as the deadliest gunfire zone.
Day 10 — Jan 6
Protests entered their 10th day with intensified repression and a clearer picture of casualties and mass arrests in 285 locations, 92 cities, 27 provinces, plus student actions at 22 universities.HRANA reported 36 dead total — 34 protesters + 2 security/law-enforcement members. HRANA also notes that 4 of the dead were under 18, and “dozens” were injured, largely from pellet/plastic bullets. BBC Persian confirmed the identities of at least 21 dead. 2,076 arrested total (HRANA stresses the real number is likely higher).
BBC Persian confirms Regime crimes documented this day included attacks on medical spaces and arrests under the cover of force: footage from Tehran’s Sina Hospital area showed tear gas fired in/around the hospital premises near the bazaar protests; this followed ongoing outrage over the Ilam hospital raid (security forces entering to arrest the injured).
Markets remained a major protest engine: rallies were reported in Tehran’s markets (incl. Yaftabad and Hafez Street) after calls for closures. In Ilam’s Abdanan, a crowd estimated at ~25,000 was described as one of the largest in the first 10 days.
Police chief Ahmadreza Radan publicly acknowledged large-scale arrests; HRANA estimated arrests at more than 1,200 after ten days.
Reza Pahlavi (first public call since this wave began) urged coordinated chanting at exactly 8:00 p.m. on Thu/Fri Jan 8–9, from streets or from homes, emphasizing discipline and mass participation.
Day 9 — Jan 5
Market protests continued in Tehran; footage shows security forces attacking, shooting, and arresting protesters. Universities saw visible student mobilization. Reports indicate security forces opened fire in Malekshahi (Ilam), causing deaths and injuries. HRANA confirmed at least 29 deaths over the first nine days; 2 were affiliated with law enforcement/security forces. 64 injured protesters (many from pellet/rubber bullets) were recorded, and at least 1,203 were arrested, stressing the real number is likely higher.
Day 8 — Jan 4
Iran International reported that labor, retiree, civil, and teachers’ organizations issued statements backing the protests, explicitly linking anger to inflation, unemployment, and economic pressure. Night protests spread widely (multiple provinces and cities), including Tehran’s central streets, where protests had begun. A major regime crime highlighted: security forces raided Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, attempting to arrest injured protesters; footage shows tear gas used inside the hospital and violent entry. HRANA estimates at least 19 protesters killed and 990 arrested, with protest activity recorded at 222 locations in 78 cities across 26 provinces.
Day 7 — Jan 3
Protests continued exceedingly. HRANA records protests/strikes/gatherings at 174 locations across 25 provinces over the first 7 days, with student activity at 18 universities. Khamenei responded publicly, distinguishing “protest” from “rioting” while calling for repression of “rioters.” Protests and confrontations continued; Iran International reported “several protesters were killed and wounded” by direct live fire, calling it the deadliest crackdown so far, with hospitals under strain and an urgent need for blood supplies. HRANA notes at least 582 people arrested (cumulative) over the first 7 days, and the real number is likely higher. A notable share of detainees are teenagers, including named 15–17 year-olds in several cities; it also describes two teenage girls arrested in Isfahan and a forced-confession video published under unclear conditions.
Day 6 — Jan 2
Protests continued while the regime escalated its intimidation narrative and security deployment. Funerals were held for those killed during previous clashes. Qom authorities claimed 1 person died from a “grenade explosion,” while a separate account (including evidence reviewed by BBC Persian fact-checking) identified the deceased as Hossein Rabiei and raised questions about responsibility. A UN rapporteur expressed concern over the killing of eight protesters during recent demonstrations. According to HRANA, dozens were arrested, 15 detained women were transferred to Evin Prison, two minors were arrested in Yasuj, and forced-confession videos were released by near-state channels. Some were arrested for posting calls for protests. Iran International documented at least 44 people shot and wounded (live ammo or pellet guns) over the first six days. Reza Pahlavi’s* call urged people to “take control of the streets” in Tehran and major cities via simultaneous mass presence and road blockades, moving in small neighbourhood groups toward main arteries.
*Reza Pahlavi is the son of Iran’s exiled king, Mohammadreza Pahlavi, who is accepted by many Iranians as the next King, and some support him as the leader for the transition period after the regime change.
Day 5 — Jan 1
Officials publicly reacted to reports of killings as protests continued across multiple cities. Security forces were reported to have fired on protesters (e.g., Lordegan and Azna). Kohdasht prosecutor announced mass arrests and cited officer injuries. Reuters reports at least 3 killed, 17 injured in Azna, and 2 killed in Lordegan. Bear in mind that the numbers are just those confirmed by the Islamic Regime itself, which is always lower than in reality. Reza Moradi (17 years old) was killed in Azna on this day.
Day 4 — Dec 31
University protests spread and intensified; multiple cities reported gatherings and clashes. In Fasa, protesters reportedly forced entry at the governor’s office; security forces reportedly fired shotguns at people. Even authorities themselves reported arrests and injuries while disputing deaths. HRANA reports at least 16 citizens arrested during the protests that happened on this day. Two protester deaths are explicitly tied to Dec 31st, Amirhesam Khodayarifard and Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand. Both were killed by direct gunfire.
Day 3 — Dec 30
The movement expanded; protests happened in several cities (Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, Yazd; heavy security presence also reported in Mashhad) by shopkeepers, civilians and university students. Videos show intensified clashes, with security and plainclothes deployed in protest hotspots. Multiple arrest has been reported on this day. Security forces used tear gas, live ammunition, and physical force to disperse demonstrators. Reports indicate targeted arrests of at least 4 students and at least 11 protesters.
Day 2 — Dec 29
Street protests continued in multiple Tehran areas and spread to other cities (including Karaj, Hamedan, Qeshm, Mallard). Police and security forces escalated: tear gas, street blockades, and assaults were reported. Iran International reported the viral “Tehran’s Tank Man” incident: a protester sitting in the street as motorcycle security forces advanced; later beaten and forced to leave. University dorms were reportedly sealed/surrounded following student protests. Mass arrests are reported to have started on this day.
Day 1 — Dec 28
Tehran’s bazaar merchants and market workers closed or partially closed shops and protested in central areas amid a sharp currency collapse and price shock. The protest began as a livelihood and inflation-driven rally, signalling early mass participation from the market sector. The use of tear gas against the protesters was reported.