Iran protests LIVE updates: Internet cut off amid fresh escalation in Tehran; security forces accused of firing on protesters

Home
News
World

U.S. President Trump threatened to take severe action against Iran if its authorities “start killing people”

Updated – January 09, 2026 02:25 am IST

Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami (C) posing for a photograph with military officials and military academy students in Tehran. Iran’s military chief warned on January 7, 2026, that Iran will not stand by and allow itself to be threatened by outside powers, after the U.S. and Israel backed anti-government protests. | Photo Credit: AFP

A nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran on Thursday night (January 8, 2026) amid a fresh wave of escalation in Tehran following a call for mass demonstration by the country’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. This comes after twelve days of protests in the country over its ailing economy.

Rights groups accused Iranian security forces of shooting at protesters as the death toll mounted from a crackdown by authorities. So far, at least 39 people have been killed, while more than 2,260 others have been detained, as per the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Also Read | At a crossroads: On Iran’s unrest, its re-engagement with the world

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (January 8) threatened to take severe action if Iranian authorities “start killing people” who are protesting, warning that Washington would “hit them very hard”. The country under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is battling an economic crisis after years of sanctions and recovering from the June war against Israel.

Follow live updates here

January 09, 2026 02:25

Images show Iranians mass on Tehran avenue in major anti-govt. protest

Protesters in Tehran massed on a key avenue in the northwest of the Iranian capital on Thursday (January 8, 2026) in a major protest that is part of a nationwide movement sparked by anger over Iran’s ailing economy.

The escalation in Tehran were confirmed via images on social media by AFP.

Crowds of people, as well vehicles honking in support, filled a part of the vast Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard, images from Tehran showed.

Persian language TV channels based outside Iran and other social media outlets posted images of significant protests in other cities, including Tabriz in the north and the holy city of Mashhad in the east.

– AFP
January 09, 2026 02:11

Iran protests: Security forces accused of firing on protesters as death toll mounts

Amid a fresh wave of escalation in Iran protests, rights groups accused Iranian security forces of shooting at demonstrators as the death toll mounted on Thursday (January 8, 2026).

This is the latest development amid a crackdown on economic protests as a watchdog reported an internet blackout across the Islamic republic.

So far, at least 39 people have been killed, while more than 2,260 others have been detained, as per the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

– AP, AFP
January 09, 2026 01:58

Nationwide internet blackout as protests mount in Iran

Internet blackout in Iran as protests mount; Trump warns of U.S. action

Iran experiences a nationwide internet blackout amid escalating protests, as authorities crack down on demonstrators and communication.