The nationwide protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against economic policies in late December, which spread to universities and other cities. Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s deposed shah, had urged Iranians to stage more targeted protests on Saturday and Sunday after hailing mass protests on Friday. ‘Not safe’Amnesty International said it was analysing “distressing reports that security forces have intensified their unlawful use of lethal force against protesters” since Thursday. On Thursday and Friday, an AFP journalist in Tehran saw streets deserted and plunged into darkness before any protests. An AFP reporter saw shop windows broken, as well as security forces deploying.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 10, 2026 22:48 UTC