Iran authorities signal intensified crackdown as unrest growsProtesters gather as vehicles burn, amid evolving anti-government unrest, in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. AI Brief Protests over inflation have escalated into anti-clerical unrest across Iran, with dozens killed and thousands arrested amid internet blackouts. Iranian forces accuse "terrorists" of fueling chaos, vow to protect regime, as US intelligence monitors growing unrest in regime strongholds. "I just hope the protesters in Iran are going to be safe, because that's a very dangerous place right now," he added. Authorities have described protests over the economy as legitimate while condemning what they call violent rioters over the past two weeks.

Source: International New York Times January 11, 2026 08:57 UTC