The death toll linked to violence surrounding ongoing protests in Iran has risen to at least 35 people, according to activists, as demonstrations continue across large parts of the country with no immediate signs of slowing.
More than 1,200 people have been detained since the protests began over a week ago. Those killed include 29 protesters, four children, and two members of Iran&rsquo;s security forces. Demonstrations have been reported in more than 250 locations spanning 27 of Iran&rsquo;s 31 provinces.
The rising death toll has drawn international attention, including warnings from the United States over the treatment of demonstrators. These statements prompted strong reactions from Iranian officials, who issued counter-threats aimed at U.S. interests in the Middle East. The remarks gained added significance following recent U.S. military action involving Venezuelan President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro, a close ally of Tehran.
The current unrest marks the largest wave of protests in Iran since 2022, when nationwide demonstrations erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. However, activists say the present protests have not yet reached the same intensity or scale as those sparked by Amini&rsquo;s death.
Iran has witnessed repeated waves of protests in recent years amid economic pressure, sanctions, and currency collapse. After the rial plunged sharply in December following a brief war with Israel, public discontent intensified, setting the stage for the current demonstrations.
Assessing the full scale of the unrest remains difficult due to limited reporting by state media and restrictions faced by journalists. Despite these challenges, protests appear to be continuing, even after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for strict action against demonstrators.

Unrest spreads across provinces as arrests mount and protests continue

Iran Protests Death Toll Rises to 35 Nationwide

Unrest spreads across provinces as arrests mount and protests continue

January 6, 2026 | 10:07 IST