Anti-Khamenei Protests Rage In Iran: 10 Points On The Uprising, Demands And Reza Pahlavi’s Call | World News
Anti-Khamenei protests broke out across Iran in late December 2025 and turned into nationwide unrest in January 2026. The demonstrations, which initially started as demonstrations against economic difficulties in the southern and northern regions such as Qeshm, Zanjan and Hamadan, quickly spread to major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad. The movement later grew into a broader rebellion targeting the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
As the protests intensified, slogans turned into anti-regime slogans; demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Death to the Dictator” and “Seyyed Ali will be overthrown this year”. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, as of January 8, 2026, at least 42 people have been killed and 2,270 people have been arrested. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called the demonstrators “rebels” and called for a strict crackdown.
Reasons for the Protests
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The protests stem primarily from Iran’s deepening economic crisis. Citizens face rising costs of living due to hyperinflation, high unemployment and a weakened economy affected by sanctions and long-standing mismanagement. Public anger was also fueled by allegations of systematic corruption, restrictions on civil liberties, and foreign government interventions; Many protesters say it diverts resources as ordinary Iranians struggle to survive.
What Do Protesters Demand?
Demonstrators are openly calling for the overthrow of Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Republic. Slogans such as “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to the Islamic Republic” were widely reported. Many protesters also commemorate exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi with slogans such as “Pahlavi will return” and “Javid Shah” (Long Live the Shah).
In addition to regime change, protesters are demanding the restoration of internet and communication services, accountability for murders, and the provision of basic political and social freedoms.
The Role of Reza Pahlavi
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, emerged as a symbolic rallying figure during the unrest. On January 8, 2026, he called for synchronized protests on Thursday and Friday at 20:00, urging Iranians to take action. Videos circulating online showed large crowds in Tehran, including Dolat and Bahar Shiraz streets, responding to his call with pro-Pahlavi slogans before communications were cut off.
Although the protest movement remained largely decentralized, Pahlavi’s video messages increased its visibility and momentum. Their calls reportedly drew thousands to the streets, with some demonstrations in Tehran including attacks on regime-affiliated buildings.
Anti-Khamenei Protests in Iran: 10 Key Points
- Nationwide Unrest: Protests that began in late December 2025 turned into nationwide unrest in January 2026.
- First Flash Points: The demonstrations first broke out in Qeshm, Zanjan and Hamadan and then spread to Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad.
- Transition from Economy to Regime: The protests, which started due to economic difficulties, quickly turned into a rebellion against Religious Leader Ali Khamenei.
- Open anti-Khamenei slogans: Protesters chanted slogans such as “Death to the Dictator” and “Seyyed Ali will be overthrown this year”.
- Deaths and Arrests: As of January 8, 2026, at least 42 people have been killed and 2,270 arrested, according to human rights groups.
- Communication Interruptions: The government shut down internet and phone services to prevent mobilization.
- Economic Crisis at its heart: Hyperinflation, unemployment, sanctions and mismanagement increased public anger.
- Raid on Security Forces: A violent crackdown by security forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, intensified the protests, especially after the killings on January 3.
- Regime Change Requests: Demonstrators called for basic freedoms as well as the overthrow of Khamenei and the Islamic Republic.
- Role of Rıza Pahlavi: Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi emerged as a symbolic rally figure, calling for coordinated protests.
