US businessman Elon Musk and SpaceX have activated Starlink satellite internet in Iran amid a nationwide blackout imposed by the regime during ongoing anti-government protests as of January 9, 2026, according to online reports.

Iranians Using Starlink to Defy Internet Curbs  Risking Death Penalty & Imprisonment

Tehran threatened on Sunday to retaliate against Israel and U.S. military bases in the event of U.S. strikes on Iran, issuing the warning as Israeli sources said Israel was on high alert for the possibility of any U.S. intervention.

Report: Trump Briefed on Options for Striking Iran Amid Protests

Iran would target US military and shipping interests if the United States launched a new attack amid the ongoing protests, the Parliament speaker said on Sunday.

“In the event of a military attack by the United States, both the occupied territory and centres of the US military and shipping will be our legitimate targets,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told parliament in comments broadcast by state TV, apparently also referring to Israel, which the Islamic republic does not recognise and considers occupied Palestinian territory.

Iran Protests: Iranian Speaker Says Will Target US Military, Shipping If Attacked

What's The Possibility of US Intervention in Iran

Amid widespread anti-government protests in Iran, speculation has grown about the possibility of U.S. intervention, including potential military options, as President Trump has signaled support for demonstrators and been briefed on various response strategies.

US Strikes Iran: What's the Possibility of US Intervention in Iran?

Iran's parliament echoed with 'Death to America' chants as lawmakers discussed protests shaking the nation. With 116 dead and a total internet blackout, the government blames US interference.

Iran's parliament echoed with 'Death to America' chants as lawmakers discussed protests shaking the nation. With 116 dead and a total internet blackout, the government blames US interference.

'Death to America': Chants heard in Iran's Parliament as lawmakers discuss the protests shaking the nation

The legal term Mohareb refers to 'enmity against God' in Iran. Authorities use this charge to issue severe penalties, including execution, against protesters accused of threatening state security.

The legal term Mohareb refers to 'enmity against God' in Iran. Authorities use this charge to issue severe penalties, including execution, against protesters accused of threatening state security.&nbsp;

What does ‘Mohareb’ mean in Islamic Law? Why is Iran using it against protesters

The US holds overwhelming aerial superiority with 13,000+ aircraft and stealth jets. Iran counters this with a regional "air shield" of drones and S-300 missiles to deter threats.

The US holds overwhelming aerial superiority with 13,000+ aircraft and stealth jets. Iran counters this with a regional "air shield" of drones and S-300 missiles to deter threats.

Who would win? Comparing the air power of the US and Iran in case of a war

Chaos broke out at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar as police and protesters continued to clash amid growing unrest. The incident highlights escalating tensions in Iran, driven by economic pressures and public anger. Security forces remain on high alert as protests persist across key areas of the capital. Stay tuned for the latest updates from Iran.

BREAKING: Iran Detains Hundreds After Protests Turn Violent, Khamenei Vows No Retreat 

Musk's Starlink Bypasses Iran Internet Ban Amid Nationwide Blackout

Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Saturday (Jan 10) called on protesters to intensify their demonstration against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's regime by "seizing the centre of cities and holding them" and "cutting off financial lifelines" to "bring the Islamic Republic and its worn-out and fragile repression apparatus to its knees". "I ask all of you today and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (January 10 and 11), this time, from 6 p.m., to come to the streets with flags, images, and national symbols and claim public spaces as your own. Our goal is no longer merely to come to the streets; the goal is to prepare for seizing the centres of cities and holding them," Reza Pahlavi said in a post on X.&nbsp;The protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and raging economic crisis, now entered their thirteenth consecutive day despite a massive security crackdown and complete internet blackout. Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last monarch, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown during the 1979 revolution to establish an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ali Khomenai as Supreme Leader.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-blackout-iran-s-streets-run-red-tehran-doctor-says-at-least-217-killed-as-regime-opens-fire-on-protestors-report-1768040473068">Under blackout, Iran's streets run red: Tehran doctor says at least 217 killed as regime opens fire on protestors - Report</a>&nbsp;The exiled crown prince who enraged as prominent opposition voices among Iranians living abroad called on the workers and employees in key sectors of the economy, especially oil, gas and energy, to begin nationwide strikes. "I am certain that by making our street presence more targeted, and at the same time, by cutting off the financial lifelines, we will completely bring the Islamic Republic and its worn-out and fragile repression apparatus to its knees".&nbsp;The protests have now spread to 512 locations across 180 cities in 31 provinces in Iran, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).&nbsp;As tensions remained high, large crowds took to the streets in major Iranian cities on including Tehran, after Pahlavi called for stepped-up protests. The fresh unrest prompted the clerical leadership under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to cut internet and telephone services.&nbsp;On Friday, Pahlavi also urged United States President Donald Trump to intervene in ongoing protests in Iran, saying, “Ali Khamenei, fearing the end of his criminal regime at the hands of the people and with the help of your powerful promise to support the protesters, has threatened the people on the streets with a brutal crackdown. And he wants to use this blackout to murder these young heroes.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei responded sharply, stressing that external pressure would not work. He said that Iran “will not back down” in the face of both internal unrest and external threats, asserting that the country will stand firm against attempts to influence or control its internal affairs.&nbsp;

The protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and raging economic crisis, entered their thirteenth consecutive day despite a massive security crackdown.

Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Saturday (Jan 10) called on protesters to intensify their demonstration against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's regime by "seizing the centre of cities and holding them" and "cutting off financial lifelines" to "bring the Islamic Republic and its worn-out and fragile repression apparatus to its knees". "I ask all of you today and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (January 10 and 11), this time, from 6 p.m., to come to the streets with flags, images, and national symbols and claim public spaces as your own. Our goal is no longer merely to come to the streets; the goal is to prepare for seizing the centres of cities and holding them," Reza Pahlavi said in a post on X. The protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and raging economic crisis, now entered their thirteenth consecutive day despite a massive security crackdown and complete internet blackout. Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last monarch, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown during the 1979 revolution to establish an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ali Khomenai as Supreme Leader. Also Read: Under blackout, Iran's streets run red: Tehran doctor says at least 217 killed as regime opens fire on protestors - Report The exiled crown prince who enraged as prominent opposition voices among Iranians living abroad called on the workers and employees in key sectors of the economy, especially oil, gas and energy, to begin nationwide strikes. "I am certain that by making our street presence more targeted, and at the same time, by cutting off the financial lifelines, we will completely bring the Islamic Republic and its worn-out and fragile repression apparatus to its knees". The protests have now spread to 512 locations across 180 cities in 31 provinces in Iran, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). As tensions remained high, large crowds took to the streets in major Iranian cities on including Tehran, after Pahlavi called for stepped-up protests. The fresh unrest prompted the clerical leadership under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to cut internet and telephone services. On Friday, Pahlavi also urged United States President Donald Trump to intervene in ongoing protests in Iran, saying, “Ali Khamenei, fearing the end of his criminal regime at the hands of the people and with the help of your powerful promise to support the protesters, has threatened the people on the streets with a brutal crackdown. And he wants to use this blackout to murder these young heroes.” Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei responded sharply, stressing that external pressure would not work. He said that Iran “will not back down” in the face of both internal unrest and external threats, asserting that the country will stand firm against attempts to influence or control its internal affairs.

The protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and raging economic crisis, entered their thirteenth consecutive day despite a massive security crackdown.

Cut financial lifelines to bring Khamenei regime to its knees: Exiled Crown Prince’s fresh call to Iranian protesters

The Iranian army, in a statement, said that it would protect the critical infrastructure of the country at any cost and urged Iranians to thwart "the enemy's plots". The military on Saturday, January 10, accused Israel and “hostile terrorist groups” of undermining the country's internal security. Iran’s ‍elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a separate statement on Saturday that protecting the 1979 Islamic revolution was a “red line”.“The Army, under the command of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, together with other armed forces, in addition to monitoring enemy movements in the region, will resolutely protect and safeguard national interests, the country’s strategic infrastructure, and public property,” said the Iranian Army.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/x-changes-iran-flag-emoji-lion-and-sun-symbol-protests-1768028484625">Why X changed Iran’s flag emoji to the lion and sun as protests intensify</a>&nbsp;The recent statement came after the provocative remarks by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US President Donald Trump and Reza Palhavi, the exiled head of the House of Palhavi. Rubio posted on X, "The United States supports the brave people of Iran.” US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s leaders, saying, “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.” Reza Palhavi, a US resident, had been campaigning for regime change and had urged for US and foreign support. Reza Palhavi, the descendant of the pro-Western Shah ruler, had lived his life outside of the contemporary realities of the ordinary Iranians.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-israel-end-us-military-aid-decade-1768035907381">Netanyahu says Israel may end reliance on US military aid within a decade</a>&nbsp;The protest, which started against economic hardship, inflation and currency collapse, has spread to multiple cities across Iran, including Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, Shiraz and others. The state media said that a municipal building was set on fire. State media also broadcast the footage of the funeral of the members of the forces who were killed in the protest in the cities of Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan. Saturday marks the start of the work week in Iran, but most of the schools and universities remain closed, and many of the classes are conducted online. State TV repeatedly played a driving, martial orchestral arrangement from the “Epic of Khorramshahr” by Iranian composer Majid Entezami, which was repeatedly played during the war with Israel and during the 2022 protest against the death of Mahsa Amini.&nbsp;

Iran’s army has vowed to protect critical infrastructure amid nationwide protests, accusing Israel and hostile groups of undermining security, while the IRGC called safeguarding the 1979 Islamic Revolution a red line.

The Iranian army, in a statement, said that it would protect the critical infrastructure of the country at any cost and urged Iranians to thwart "the enemy's plots". The military on Saturday, January 10, accused Israel and “hostile terrorist groups” of undermining the country's internal security. Iran’s ‍elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a separate statement on Saturday that protecting the 1979 Islamic revolution was a “red line”. “The Army, under the command of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, together with other armed forces, in addition to monitoring enemy movements in the region, will resolutely protect and safeguard national interests, the country’s strategic infrastructure, and public property,” said the Iranian Army. Also read: Why X changed Iran’s flag emoji to the lion and sun as protests intensify The recent statement came after the provocative remarks by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US President Donald Trump and Reza Palhavi, the exiled head of the House of Palhavi. Rubio posted on X, "The United States supports the brave people of Iran.” US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s leaders, saying, “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.” Reza Palhavi, a US resident, had been campaigning for regime change and had urged for US and foreign support. Reza Palhavi, the descendant of the pro-Western Shah ruler, had lived his life outside of the contemporary realities of the ordinary Iranians. Also read: Netanyahu says Israel may end reliance on US military aid within a decade The protest, which started against economic hardship, inflation and currency collapse, has spread to multiple cities across Iran, including Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, Shiraz and others. The state media said that a municipal building was set on fire. State media also broadcast the footage of the funeral of the members of the forces who were killed in the protest in the cities of Shiraz, Qom and Hamedan. Saturday marks the start of the work week in Iran, but most of the schools and universities remain closed, and many of the classes are conducted online. State TV repeatedly played a driving, martial orchestral arrangement from the “Epic of Khorramshahr” by Iranian composer Majid Entezami, which was repeatedly played during the war with Israel and during the 2022 protest against the death of Mahsa Amini.

Iran’s army has vowed to protect critical infrastructure amid nationwide protests, accusing Israel and hostile groups of undermining security, while the IRGC called safeguarding the 1979 Islamic Revolution a red line.

Iran’s army, Revolutionary Guards declare security a ‘red line’ as protests grow after US backs demonstrators

Chaos broke out at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar as police and protesters continued to clash amid growing unrest. The incident highlights escalating tensions in Iran, driven by economic pressures and public anger. Security forces remain on high alert as protests persist across key areas of the capital. Stay tuned for the latest updates from Iran.


Iran Protests: Protesters March to Tehran Despite Blackout, Chant Slogans

Social media platform X has changed the emoji of the official Iranian flag from featuring the official tricolour with the red Islamic emblem and the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) written in stylised Arabic script to the pre-Islamic revolution flag with the same tri colour with sword-wielding lion and Sun emblem at the centre. The change was implemented across X's emoji library, it was visible on the web version first, and is now available in many mobile devices.<h2>What is the Lion and Sun symbol?</h2>The Lion and Sun symbol is from the pre-Islamic period flag of Iran, which has been around since the constitutional monarchy era in 1907 and signifies divine power. It was standardised during the Pahlavi dynasty and continued during the brief period of pluralistic democracy of the Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh between 1951-1953, which was replaced by the US and UK-backed coup to establish Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi as the ruler. It remained till 1979, until the Islamic Revolution.Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-iran-condemn-us-attack-venezuela-un-security-council-1767438670765">Russia, Iran condemns US military action in Venezuela, calls for UN Security Council meeting</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">X replaced Iran’s Islamic Republic flag so now their Foreign Ministry (<a href="https://twitter.com/IRIMFA_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IRIMFA_EN</a>) ended up rocking that Lion and Sun flag in their name and bio 🇮🇷 <a href="https://t.co/YxrRmAjAG7">pic.twitter.com/YxrRmAjAG7</a>&mdash; Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) <a href="https://twitter.com/wongmjane/status/2009753242540847563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-preemptive-strike-warning-protests-us-israel-tensions-1767769942741">Iran warns of possible preemptive military strikes amid protests and rising US tensions</a>

<h2>Iranian protests and what does the emoji change imply?</h2>Iran is going through massive unrest across the country due to the continuously deteriorating economic situation. The protest, which started as a peaceful one, turned violent. The violence escalated, and there were reports of a raid in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam to arrest injured protestors. Ali Khamenei accused protestors of "ruining their own streets to make the president of another country (Donald Trump) happy."However, there are undeniable internal political and social conflicts in the Iranian society, which allow foreign agents to exploit it. Not acknowledging these conflicts, attributing them completely to foreign intelligence, will only accelerate the deterioration of the state from the inside. There had been a widespread misinformation campaign on social media against Iran, with AI-generated exaggerated pictures and videos to make the protest look more violent than it already is. &nbsp;Israeli intelligence and a former US Secretary of State have themselves made those claims. Now, this kind of change in social media emojis in a politically charged atmosphere is a symbolic gesture of support for the crowd to further agitate and widen the conflict, converting it into a riot.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Social media platform X has replaced Iran’s official flag emoji with the pre-revolution Lion and Sun symbol amid nationwide protests. Here’s what it means.

Social media platform X has changed the emoji of the official Iranian flag from featuring the official tricolour with the red Islamic emblem and the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) written in stylised Arabic script to the pre-Islamic revolution flag with the same tri colour with sword-wielding lion and Sun emblem at the centre. The change was implemented across X's emoji library, it was visible on the web version first, and is now available in many mobile devices. What is the Lion and Sun symbol? The Lion and Sun symbol is from the pre-Islamic period flag of Iran, which has been around since the constitutional monarchy era in 1907 and signifies divine power. It was standardised during the Pahlavi dynasty and continued during the brief period of pluralistic democracy of the Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh between 1951-1953, which was replaced by the US and UK-backed coup to establish Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi as the ruler. It remained till 1979, until the Islamic Revolution. Read Also: Russia, Iran condemns US military action in Venezuela, calls for UN Security Council meeting

Social media platform X has replaced Iran’s official flag emoji with the pre-revolution Lion and Sun symbol amid nationwide protests. Here’s what it means.

Why X changed Iran’s flag emoji to the lion and sun as protests intensify

Tensions between the US and Iran have raised questions about a potential conflict. Here, if we compare their military strength, the US possesses the world's most technologically advanced military. While Iran relies on an asymmetric strategy, utilising a vast missile arsenal and proxy networks

Tensions between the US and Iran have raised questions about a potential conflict. Here, if we compare their military strength, the US possesses the world's most technologically advanced military. While Iran relies on an asymmetric strategy, utilising a vast missile arsenal and proxy networks

'US vs Iran': Who would win in a military power comparison?

Iran is facing widespread protests as citizens voice anger over economic hardship, government policies, and political restrictions. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has reacted strongly, condemning the unrest while authorities attempt to restore order.

Iran Protest: Khamenei Lashes Out as Iran Struggles to Quell Protests

Huge crowds of protesters have been marching through Iran's capital and other cities, videos show, in what is said to be the largest show of force by opponents of the clerical establishment in years.

US-Iran Clash: Protesters in Tehran Chant ‘Death to the Dictator’

Iran on Friday (Jan 9) remained plunged into near total digital darkness as authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout, even as protests continue to escalate. According to internet monitoring group NetBlocks, Iran, as of 0900 hrs (0500 hrs GMT), had been offline for over 12 hours, "with national connectivity flatlining at ~1% of ordinary levels". The shutdown came as demonstrators poured onto the streets across the country, despite an intensifying crackdown by security forces.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-are-gonna-start-now-hitting-land-donald-trump-says-us-will-launch-land-strikes-against-drug-cartels-1767929603922">Trump says US is 'gonna start hitting land,' launch strikes against drug cartels</a><h2>Digital blackout continues</h2>NetBlocks in an X post revealed that Iran has been offline for 12 hours, with the national connectivity dropping to around one per cent of normal levels. "Iran has now been offline for 12 hours with national connectivity flatlining at ~1% of ordinary levels, after authorities imposed a national internet blackout in an attempt to suppress sweeping protests while covering up reports of regime brutality," said the group.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚠️ Update: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> has now been offline for 12 hours with national connectivity flatlining at ~1% of ordinary levels, after authorities imposed a national internet blackout in an attempt to suppress sweeping protests while covering up reports of regime brutality 📉 <a href="https://t.co/furKo81BA3">pic.twitter.com/furKo81BA3</a>&mdash; NetBlocks (@netblocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/2009482662025871737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Iran unrest continues</h2>The unrest in Iran began on December 28 with a strike at Tehran's historic bazaar, triggered by the collapse of the rial to record lows. What started as an economic protest has since morphed into a nationwide movement, spreading far beyond the capital. The scale of the protests, as per AFP, has unsettled Iran's authorities under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, already grappling with a deep economic crisis stemming from years of sanctions and still reeling from the aftermath of June's war with Israel.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internet-blackout-in-iran-as-protests-continue-for-12th-day-reza-pahlavi-heads-to-mar-a-lago-1767899040216">Internet blackout in Iran as protests continue; Reza Pahlavi heads to Mar-a-Lago</a><h2>Iran's response turns violent</h2>Rights groups say the state response has turned increasingly violent. The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR) said at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, have been killed since the demonstrations began. It said that thirteen deaths were recorded on Wednesday alone, describing Jan 7 as the bloodiest day so far. Hundreds more have been wounded and more than 2,000 people arrested, the group said. "The evidence shows that the scope of the crackdown is becoming more violent and more extensive every day," said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.Iranian officials acknowledge far fewer deaths. State media reports cite at least 21 people killed, including members of the security forces. On Wednesday, police said an officer was killed west of Tehran while trying to "control unrest." US President Donald Trump has meanwhile warned Tehran against further bloodshed, saying Washington would "hit them very hard" if "start killing people".<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-clash-iranians-chant-death-to-the-dictator-in-tehran-1767936088636/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-clash-iranians-chant-death-to-the-dictator-in-tehran-1767936088636/embed</a>&nbsp;

Iran has been almost completely offline for over 12 hours as protests spread nationwide, with internet access cut to near zero. All you need to know.

Iran on Friday (Jan 9) remained plunged into near total digital darkness as authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout, even as protests continue to escalate. According to internet monitoring group NetBlocks, Iran, as of 0900 hrs (0500 hrs GMT), had been offline for over 12 hours, "with national connectivity flatlining at ~1% of ordinary levels". The shutdown came as demonstrators poured onto the streets across the country, despite an intensifying crackdown by security forces. Also read | Trump says US is 'gonna start hitting land,' launch strikes against drug cartels Digital blackout continues NetBlocks in an X post revealed that Iran has been offline for 12 hours, with the national connectivity dropping to around one per cent of normal levels. "Iran has now been offline for 12 hours with national connectivity flatlining at ~1% of ordinary levels, after authorities imposed a national internet blackout in an attempt to suppress sweeping protests while covering up reports of regime brutality," said the group.

Iran has been almost completely offline for over 12 hours as protests spread nationwide, with internet access cut to near zero. All you need to know.

Iran’s digital blackout crosses 12-hour mark, internet flatlines at 1% as protests continue to rage

US-Iran Clash: Iranians Chant 'Death to the Dictator in Tehran' 

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue".


US-Iran Clash: Trump Says US Will Hit Iran 'Very Hard' if Protesters are Killed

A police officer has been killed in a stabbing as anti-government protests sweep across 28 of Iran’s 31 provinces. Demonstrations continue over political and social unrest in the country.


Iran unrest: Iran revolts against Khamenei; Pahlavi calls for coordinated chants

Iran unrest: Rights group says 36 killed during protests

Iran is witnessing a wave of protests spreading across multiple cities, with at least 36 people reported dead according to right-wing groups monitoring the unrest. Citizens have taken to the streets demanding political reforms, while authorities reportedly respond with force.

Iran Protests: Iranian Leaders Distinguish Demonstrators From Rioters 

Iran is witnessing a wave of protests spreading across multiple cities, with at least 36 people reported dead according to right-wing groups monitoring the unrest. Citizens have taken to the streets demanding political reforms, while authorities reportedly respond with force.


Iran protests: Iranian leaders distinguish demonstrators from rioters  

Iran chaos: Anger mounts against Supreme Leader Khamenei as protests continue to escalate

Iran protests: Khamenei's statues torched in defiance; Pezeshkian orders forces to use restraint 

Iran National Defence Council has stated that it may not wait to be attacked first and warned of a preemptive strike against unnamed “long-standing enemies”, in the case it feels any threat to its national security, territorial integrity and independence. Iran warned that its national security and sovereignty are an "uncrossable red line". The warning comes after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran that it would be “hit very hard” if the nation targeted the protestors.“Within the framework of legitimate self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider itself limited to reacting after the action and considers objective signs of threat to be part of the security equation,” the statement read.&nbsp;The message, however, did not specify the adversary. Iran is still recovering from the consequences of the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Further, the US sanctions have pushed the country to the brink. It is witnessing a massive protest against inflation, the rising cost of living, which has spread across Tehran and other major cities.&nbsp;The government seems unfazed by these protests and, at the same time, faces external pressure from the US and Israel. Israeli intelligence has engaged in misinformation campaigns related to the protests. The former CIA director Mike Pompeo has also indicated that the protests were infiltrated by the MOSSAD agents. Students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, have held a protest condemning the violence.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">University students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, held a protest to condemn recent riots in the country. <a href="https://t.co/AOP8Vi0bwM">pic.twitter.com/AOP8Vi0bwM</a>&mdash; Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) <a href="https://twitter.com/TehranTimes79/status/2008474660015346152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Iran has accused its long-standing enemies of “a calculated approach aimed at the disintegration of beloved Iran”. “The intensification of threatening rhetoric and interference, which goes beyond mere verbal posturing, can be interpreted as hostile conduct,” said Iran in the statement. It would take &nbsp;“proportionate, firm, and deterrent response,” ready for any possible consequences.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a new military plan, “Operation Iron Strike”, emphasising "solidarity with the aspirations of the Iranian people for freedom.”Various Media reports suggest that the plan could involve striking various military infrastructure, coinciding with the protest. However, specific details of the operation remain undisclosed. A British MP, Tom Tugendhat, said there have been reports floating about massive cargo shipments from Russia landing in Iran. Neither Iran nor Russia have responded to these claims.&nbsp;

Iran warns it may act preemptively if threatened, as protests over inflation grow and US President Donald Trump issues a sharp warning.

Iran National Defence Council has stated that it may not wait to be attacked first and warned of a preemptive strike against unnamed “long-standing enemies”, in the case it feels any threat to its national security, territorial integrity and independence. Iran warned that its national security and sovereignty are an "uncrossable red line". The warning comes after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran that it would be “hit very hard” if the nation targeted the protestors. “Within the framework of legitimate self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider itself limited to reacting after the action and considers objective signs of threat to be part of the security equation,” the statement read. The message, however, did not specify the adversary. Iran is still recovering from the consequences of the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Further, the US sanctions have pushed the country to the brink. It is witnessing a massive protest against inflation, the rising cost of living, which has spread across Tehran and other major cities. The government seems unfazed by these protests and, at the same time, faces external pressure from the US and Israel. Israeli intelligence has engaged in misinformation campaigns related to the protests. The former CIA director Mike Pompeo has also indicated that the protests were infiltrated by the MOSSAD agents. Students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, have held a protest condemning the violence.

Iran warns it may act preemptively if threatened, as protests over inflation grow and US President Donald Trump issues a sharp warning.

Iran warns of possible preemptive military strikes amid protests and rising US tensions

Iran’s Currency Continues to Slide to New Record Lows as Economic Pressure and Public Anger Over Rising Prices Spills Into the Streets.


Currency Shock Tests Iran's Economic Pain

The Taftan volcano in Iran, which has never erupted in human history, is showing signs of activity, with scientists saying it is stirring up. A new study has flagged that the volcano in southeastern Iran has risen by about 3.5 inches in just 10 months. This means that certain forces have become active underneath, and it is important to monitor the Taftan. But the volcano does not have on-the-ground instruments such as continuous GPS receivers, and so satellites become the best way to look at it. InSAR, a radar method that measures ground motion from space, was used to track changes in the volcano. Researchers gathered data from Sentinel-1 satellites, which spotted that the uplift in the Taftan continued for 10 months and was located at the centre of the summit, Earth.com reported.&nbsp;The pressure is still there since this uplift has not gone down. The exact point where the pressure has built sits around 1,600 to 2,070 feet below the surface. This shallow location suggests that the gases are located in a hydrothermal system where hot water and gases move around under a volcano. Researchers have flagged a need to monitor the Taftan volcano regularly, but since it is located in an extremely remote area, they will have to turn to space technology to gather data on it. Pablo J. González from the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology’s Spanish National Research Council (IPNA) is the lead author of the study published in Geophysical Research Letters.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/50km-hidden-object-reveals-ancient-volcano-on-moon-that-last-erupted-3-5-billion-years-ago-1765785642169">What's so hot? Two moon craters are hiding an ancient volcano that last erupted 3.5 billion years ago</a><h2>The Taftan volcano and the uplift</h2>To be sure that no external forces were to blame for this surge, scientists checked whether heavy rain and earthquakes could be a catalyst. However, they were quickly ruled out, and they are sure that internal forces are at work inside the volcano. The shallow pressure zone sits above the body of magma, which is flowing 3.2 kilometres below the volcano. The uplift could be caused by two reasons: Either the gas is building up in tight rocks and fractures, or a small pulse of melt has released volatiles into the shallower plumbing deep down.&nbsp;Taftan volcano is 12,9270 feet high and built of layers of lava and ash. There is a lack of proper records on its eruption history in the past 10,000 years. But, research has found that its last eruption happened roughly 710,000 years ago. It has witnessed a total of five different active eruption periods.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Taftan volcano in Iran is showing signs of activity, with satellites spotting an uplift at the summit. This volcano is believed to have last erupted 710,000 years ago, with clear data from 10,000 years being pretty scant.

The Taftan volcano in Iran, which has never erupted in human history, is showing signs of activity, with scientists saying it is stirring up. A new study has flagged that the volcano in southeastern Iran has risen by about 3.5 inches in just 10 months. This means that certain forces have become active underneath, and it is important to monitor the Taftan. But the volcano does not have on-the-ground instruments such as continuous GPS receivers, and so satellites become the best way to look at it. InSAR, a radar method that measures ground motion from space, was used to track changes in the volcano. Researchers gathered data from Sentinel-1 satellites, which spotted that the uplift in the Taftan continued for 10 months and was located at the centre of the summit, Earth.com reported. The pressure is still there since this uplift has not gone down. The exact point where the pressure has built sits around 1,600 to 2,070 feet below the surface. This shallow location suggests that the gases are located in a hydrothermal system where hot water and gases move around under a volcano. Researchers have flagged a need to monitor the Taftan volcano regularly, but since it is located in an extremely remote area, they will have to turn to space technology to gather data on it. Pablo J. González from the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology’s Spanish National Research Council (IPNA) is the lead author of the study published in Geophysical Research Letters. Also Read: What's so hot? Two moon craters are hiding an ancient volcano that last erupted 3.5 billion years ago The Taftan volcano and the uplift To be sure that no external forces were to blame for this surge, scientists checked whether heavy rain and earthquakes could be a catalyst. However, they were quickly ruled out, and they are sure that internal forces are at work inside the volcano. The shallow pressure zone sits above the body of magma, which is flowing 3.2 kilometres below the volcano. The uplift could be caused by two reasons: Either the gas is building up in tight rocks and fractures, or a small pulse of melt has released volatiles into the shallower plumbing deep down. Taftan volcano is 12,9270 feet high and built of layers of lava and ash. There is a lack of proper records on its eruption history in the past 10,000 years. But, research has found that its last eruption happened roughly 710,000 years ago. It has witnessed a total of five different active eruption periods.

The Taftan volcano in Iran is showing signs of activity, with satellites spotting an uplift at the summit. This volcano is believed to have last erupted 710,000 years ago, with clear data from 10,000 years being pretty scant.

Taftan volcano stirs up after 700,000 years as ground seen rising from space

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