Based on reports from January 18, 2026, the nationwide protests in Iran against the Islamic Republic, which began in late December 2025, appear to have been largely suppressed by a brutal crackdown that has left thousands dead.
While active, widespread street demonstrations have subsided, an "uneasy calm" has returned, with reports indicating the following as of January 18, 2026:
Suppression: Iranian officials have indicated that the demonstrations have been controlled after a crackdown that rights groups say resulted in over 3,000 to 5,000 deaths.
Continued Tension: Despite the crackdown, some reports suggest ongoing strikes and localized defiance in Tehran.
Digital Blackout: A severe internet blackout has been in place for over a week, severely limiting communication and information flow.
Government Stance: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed on Saturday, January 17, 2026, that the protests have been "extinguished" and accused protesters of being "seditionists" backed by foreign entities.
International Reaction: Iranians in the diaspora, including in Japan, continue to hold rallies in support of the uprising.
While some reports suggest the regime has temporarily quelled the uprising through mass arrests and violence, the situation remains fluid.
As of January 18, 2026, citizen protests in Iran are continuing, although reports indicate a heavy military presence and a brutal government crackdown have suppressed the scale of public demonstrations in some areas.
Current status of the uprising:
Active Resistance: Despite a "100% alert" state and tens of thousands of security forces locking down Tehran, rebellious youth reportedly engaged in hit-and-run clashes across the capital and other major cities overnight. Strikes were also reported in Tehran as recently as Friday.
Digital Blackout: A near-total internet and international phone blackout remains in effect, now entering its second week. Monitoring groups like NetBlocks report that a brief easing of restrictions on Saturday was quickly reversed.
Casualties and Arrests: Rights groups estimate that over 3,000 people have been killed since the uprising began in late December 2025. Iranian officials have acknowledged "thousands" of arrests, while some unofficial reports claim the death toll may be as high as 5,000.
Government Stance: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed on Saturday that the "sedition" had been extinguished, but simultaneously called on authorities to "break the back" of protesters.
Economic Drivers: The protests were initially ignited by the collapse of the Iranian rial and soaring inflation, but have since morphed into a widespread movement calling for the end of the Islamic Republic.
For those following the situation, global human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch provide ongoing monitoring of the crackdown.
https://www.google.com/search?q=are+iran+citizen+protests+continuing+today+on+1-18-26
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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