Iran Unrest Grows: Internet Shut, Death Toll Rises, Indian Nationals’ Homecoming – What’s Happening | World News
Iran Protests 2026: The protests, which started in the capital Tehran Grand Bazaar on December 28, 2025, over the record depreciation of the Iranian rial in Iran, later turned into nationwide demonstrations.
The collapse in the currency comes in the wake of multiple crises, including water shortages, power outages, rising unemployment, rising inflation and resulting unrest in the country.
Also Read – Exiled, Lonely and Heartbroken: The Untold Tragic Life of Iranian Princess Leila Pahlavi, Who Died at Only 31 Years Old, Leaving Her Home
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Death toll rises in Iran
Reuters reported that rights activists said more than 3,000 people died in Iran’s nationwide protests on Saturday.
Indian Citizens Return Home from Iran
Amid rising regional tensions, a large number of Indian citizens arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi from Iran late on Friday evening.
This comes after the Indian government advised its citizens in Iran to leave the country due to the unstable security situation; The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it was following the developments closely and was “determined to do whatever is necessary for their welfare.”
An Indian national who returned from Iran told news agency ANI: “We were there for a month. But for the last 1-2 weeks, we were facing problems… When we went out, protesters were coming in front of the car. They were causing some trouble… Internet was down, so we couldn’t tell anything to our families, so we were a little worried… We couldn’t even contact the embassy.”
Another person told ANI, “My sister-in-law is returning from Iran today. There was a war-like situation in Iran and the internet was down. We could not contact her in any way. We were worried…We are very happy that she returned to India safely…We thank the Government of India for making necessary arrangements for them to return to India in these difficult times.”
Meanwhile, in another advisory issued by the MEA, Indians have been strongly advised to avoid traveling to Iran until further notice, considering the ongoing developments.
Reza Pahlavi Calls the World to Action
Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday called on the international community to take immediate action against Iran’s ruling order, saying the Islamic Republic is “on the verge of collapse” and global inaction will only increase the toll.
“The truth can no longer be denied. The so-called Islamic Republic is not the government of Iran. It is an enemy occupying force that has usurped our homeland,” Pahlavi said at a crowded press conference in Washington, according to IANS. He described the current struggle in Iran as “not between reform and revolution” but “between occupation and liberation.”
The crown prince insisted that the current regime would fall regardless of foreign intervention.
(with input from agencies)
