The ongoing protests in Iran over soaring inflation and the sharp fall of the national currency, the rial, have entered a more violent phase, with the reported death toll now crossing 500. Human rights monitors and international observers say the unrest, which began in late December, has become one of the deadliest protest movements Iran has witnessed in recent years.
At least 490 protesters and 48 members of the security forces have been killed during the past two weeks of demonstrations. In addition, more than 10,600 people have reportedly been arrested as authorities intensify their crackdown.
The protests erupted on December 28 after rising prices, food shortages and the rapidly weakening rial triggered public anger across multiple cities. What started as demonstrations over economic hardship soon evolved into wider protests against the government, drawing large crowds despite heavy police and military deployment.
Iranian authorities have blamed foreign interference for the unrest, accusing the United States and Israel of encouraging instability. State-run media have linked the demonstrations to what officials describe as hostile actions by foreign powers, while the government has also called for counter-rallies to show resistance against external influence.
Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Tehran have increased. US President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is examining its military options in response to the growing violence. He has also suggested that Iranian leaders have signalled interest in talks, even as the possibility of US action remains on the table.
The protests have also sparked solidarity rallies in several countries. Demonstrators in cities across Europe and North America have taken to the streets to support Iranian protesters and condemn the crackdown. In Los Angeles, one such rally was disrupted when a U-Haul truck attempted to drive into a crowd before being stopped by police.
Adding to the political pressure, exiled Iranian royal Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, has urged members of Iran&rsquo;s security forces and state institutions to side with the public instead of participating in the suppression of protests.
As inflation continues to rise and the rial weakens further, the crisis shows no sign of easing, raising fears of even more instability inside Iran and greater international involvement in the days ahead.

Rising inflation and a falling rial trigger deadly unrest and global reactions

Iran Protests Turn Deadly as Death Toll Crosses 50

Rising inflation and a falling rial trigger deadly unrest and global reactions

January 12, 2026 | 15:00 IST