Massacre in Iran: Over 2,500 Killed as Supreme Leader Orders Crackdown

Tehran, January 14, 2026: Iran is facing its deadliest wave of protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with over 2,500 people reported killed. The unrest, triggered by rising inflation and economic hardship, has quickly escalated into a nationwide crisis, reminiscent of the revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi decades ago.

The recent protests began on December 28, 2025, when merchants initially took to the streets against the deteriorating economy. Over time, ordinary citizens joined in, and by January 8, 2026, demonstrations had turned violent. Protesters clashed with security forces, set public buildings and even mosques on fire, and defied government-imposed bans on gatherings.

According to Iran International, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei personally ordered the use of lethal force, with all three branches of the government fully briefed and in agreement. The Supreme National Security Council authorized security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij militias, to fire on protesters.

The Iranian authorities reported that dozens of security personnel were also killed, with funeral prayers held in Tehran attended by large numbers of government supporters. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have warned U.S. President Donald Trump against interference, calling him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “the main perpetrators of violence against the Iranian people.” Trump, however, has addressed protesters via social media, urging them to continue, and hinted that assistance is forthcoming—though the nature of that aid remains unclear.

Timeline of Recent Events:

• December 28, 2025: Protests begin over inflation and economic issues.
• January 8, 2026: Nationwide violent demonstrations erupt.
• January 8–9: Internet and international calls are cut; protesters set fires, including in mosques.
• By January 14, 2026: Over 2,500 protesters killed; 42 had died during initial demonstrations before January 8.

This unprecedented crackdown has drawn international attention, raising fears of a potential upheaval akin to Iran’s historic 1979 revolution.