Politics
NEW: Iranian Masses Storm Streets, Burn Regime Buildings As Ayatollah’s Grip On Power Weakens
Multiple outlets are reporting that the days-long protests across Iran have spread to the capital of Tehran, where multiple fires were reported as of Thursday afternoon.
Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, citing human rights organizations, reported from the ground that as of Thursday, January 8, demonstrations had spread to more than 111 different locations. “We also know there are fires set in the Iranian capital of Tehran with thousands of people in the streets there. We continue to follow these developments on the ground out of Iran,” Yingst reported.
“Also, there are reports of partial and full internet outages in different areas of the country and a general strike that was ordered earlier today. We’ll continue to keep you posted on Fox as this story develops.”
As of Thursday, the unrest has continued for approximately 12 days after first erupting due to rising costs of living and inflation. The protests have included strikes by merchants, leading to closures of markets and bazaars in various areas.
Gatherings occurred in Tehran along Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard and other key avenues, Fox News reported. Similar activities have been noted in provinces such as Kurdistan, Fars, Kermanshah, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, where clashes with security forces have been reported.
Iranian authorities have implemented measures to manage the situation, including disruptions to internet access. On the evening of January 8, a nationwide internet blackout was observed, according to reports from online monitoring groups. Localized internet restrictions had previously been noted in areas like Lordegan in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, and cities in Ilam Province.
Casualty figures from the protests vary across monitoring organizations. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group reported at least 45 protesters killed by security forces since late December, including eight children. Fatalities appear to be mounting according to the group’s figures, with 13 recorded on the night of January 7.
One US-based organization, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reported 39 deaths among protesters and four among security personnel, along with over 2,200 arrests.
DAY 12 IN IRAN: A nationwide internet blackout, with much phone service cut.
Iranian security forces have killed at least 45 protesters.
Millions have taken to the streets in every city across Iran. pic.twitter.com/jTxBHRLSjs
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 8, 2026
President Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and hinted at potential military intervention if the regime cracks down on protesters. “If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” the president posted on Truth Social last week.
Key opposition figures, including exiled leaders Reza Pahlavi (son of the former Shah) and Maryam Rajavi (President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran), have also been vocal in supporting the protests.
“Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands. I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader, and the IRGC that the world and [President Trump] are closely watching you. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered,” Rajavi said in an official statement.
