Iran’s Nationwide Protest: What’s Happening and Why?
As of late January 2026, Iran is experiencing its most severe nationwide unrest since the 1979 revolution. The current wave of protests began in late December 2025, initially voicing unrest with a rapidly worsening Iranian economy. As the rallies grew, the protests transformed into a larger movement broadly criticising the Iranian government and regime. Demonstrations have spread to all 31 provinces, and protesters have been seen chanting slogans like “death to the dictator” and have attacked state symbols and infrastructure.
The state response has been characterized by "unprecedented brutality.” After instituting a near-total internet blackout on January 8th, reports have indicated that Iranian security forces have used military-grade weapons against civilians. Although the numbers have not been verified, it is believed that many thousands of protestors have died and many more have been detained.
So why are the Iranian people protesting the Iranian “regime” and why is this so significant? The "regime" refers to the Islamic Republic of Iran, a theocratic political system established in 1979. Prior to 1979, Iran was run by the secular, Western-backed Pahlavi monarchy, whose leader was referred to as the Shah. However, by the late 1970s, a broad coalition of radical Islamists, leftists, and intellectuals, angry about the Shah’s perceived corruption and Westernization, led a revolution and toppled the government. In its midst, they replace the monarchy with an “Islamic Republic” whose ultimate authority lies in the hands of its Supreme Leader. The Supreme Leader serves for life and has the final say on all major state matters. While the revolution began as a diverse coalition, the secular and leftist branches were eliminated, consolidating power around the theocratic Islamic Republic of Iran.
Since 1979, the Islamic Republic has enforced rigid laws and has pursued aggressive military ambitions. Domestically, the regime violently enforces strict Islamic laws, most notably mandating the hijab for all women. Economically, the leadership nationalized major industries and has prioritized funding regional proxy militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah over domestic development. This has driven high inflation and unemployment, which sparked the protests over the last month.
It remains to be seen whether these protests will successfully topple the Iranian government; these protests represent an existential threat to the regime, the likes of which have not been seen before.
Written by Max Schwartz
