Live - US lawmakers vow 'justice' if Iran kills protestors as unrest simmers

Summary

Protests and strikes roiled Tabriz, Qazvin, Kermanshah, Kerman, Shiraz, Falavarjan, Bandar Abbas among other cities and towns across the country.
Tehran’s Grand Bazaar remained a flashpoint, with some crowds chanting against the leadership and in support of monarchy according to videos from the scene, as authorities deployed armed units who fired tear gas at demonstrators.
Security operations hit some civilian sites, with videos showing tear gas used near or inside Tehran’s Sina Hospital and Plasco shopping complex.
Casualty and arrest figures climbed further, with rights group HRANA reporting at least 36 people killed since protests began, including 34 protesters and two members of security forces. More than 2,000 people have been arrested.
Some protestors expressed support for US President Donald Trump in graffiti and placards, after he twice warned Tehran not to kill demonstrators or face armed US intervention.
Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi issued an appeal for protests on Thursday, and Kurdish parties urged a general strike for the same day.

Jan 7, 2026, 22:52 GMT

Prince Pahlavi urges Iranians to persist in protests despite internet cutoff threats

Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi commended widespread protests across Iran on Wednesday, calling them "unparalleled" and a sign of readiness for Thursday's planned 8 PM action.

“Reports have reached us that the regime is terribly frightened and is trying to cut off the internet once again,” Pahlavi posted a video message on Wednesday on X.

“Know that our communication will not be cut off; whether through hundreds of thousands of Starlink devices in Iran, or through the networks of Iran International and Manoto,” he added.

Jan 7, 2026, 22:04 GMT

Senior Senator warns Iran against threatening US under Trump

A senior US senator warned that Iranian threats against the United States have “not worked well” under President Donald Trump, as Washington responds to escalatory rhetoric from Tehran.

“Threatening the United States while Donald Trump is President has not worked well for anyone, especially Iran,” Republican Senator Jim Risch, chairman of Senate Foreign Relations, posted on X on Wednesday.

Jan 7, 2026, 21:32 GMT

Iranian Baloch group calls for protests and strikes across Iran

The Balochistan People’s Party, an Iranian Baloch political group, urged people in Sistan and Baluchistan province in southeastern Iran to join nationwide protests and strikes, calling for coordinated action with demonstrators across the country.

“Active participation in nationwide protests and strikes is not a political choice, but a historical necessity in order to achieve freedom, justice, and a dignified life,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday.

"It is imperative that the people of the province act in unity with other parts of Iran in their chosen slogans and display a magnificent manifestation of nationwide solidarity," the statement added.

Jan 7, 2026, 21:22 GMT

Iran accuses US of seeking to incite unrest

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement calling US comments on protests in the country as “interventionist” and “aimed at inciting unrest.”

“Such stances are not motivated by sympathy for the Iranian people but are part of the US policy of maximum pressure, threats, and interference in Iran's internal affairs, aimed at inciting violence, terrorism, and creating unrest and insecurity in the country,” the statement said.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with principles stipulated in its constitution, recognizes peaceful protests and makes no effort to stop addressing the legitimate demands of the people within the framework of law,” the statement said.

“While emphasizing the importance of taking necessary measures to reduce economic hardships, it is clarified that a significant portion of these problems stem from the all-out economic and financial war waged by America against the Iranian nation in the form of unlawful and unjust sanctions,” it added.

Jan 7, 2026, 21:05 GMT

Security forces open fire on protesters in Kangan, southern Iran

Security forces opened direct fire on protesters during protests in Kangan, Bushehr province in southern Iran, on Wednesday evening, according to videos sent to Iran International.

Jan 7, 2026, 20:56 GMT

Video shows office of governor aflame in northeastern town

The governor’s office building of Maneh and Samalqan in Ashkhaneh, North Khorasan province in northeastern Iran, was seen on fire on Wednesday evening, according to a video sent to Iran International.

Jan 7, 2026, 20:27 GMT

Protesters chant slogans against Supreme Leader in western Iran

Protesters took to the streets in Ilam, western Iran, on Wednesday evening, chanting “Death to Khamenei,” according to videos sent to Iran International.

Jan 7, 2026, 20:11 GMT

US lawmaker says Iran attacking protestors seeking freedom

Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar said Iran's government is responding to anti-regime demonstrations with mass arrests and violence, though she suggested such measures will ultimately fail.

"In 257 locations across 88 cities and 27 provinces, the people of Iran are demanding freedom from the Ayatollah and as usual, the regime silences, tortures and imprisons," the Republican House member from Florida posted on X on Wednesday.

"Like those resisting tyranny in Cuba and Venezuela, they are fighting for the freedom, liberty, and end to oppression they deserve," she added. “People of Iran demanding freedom.”

Jan 7, 2026, 19:41 GMT

Israel's UN ambassador voices support for Iranian protesters

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon addressed the Iranian people in a video message, praising them for what he described as their courage during nationwide protests.

“I am seeing your bravery. I am feeling your pain. I am sharing your hope for a better future in Iran without evil and terror,” Danon said. “The entire world is watching what’s happening on the streets in Iran and is praying with you.”

Jan 7, 2026, 19:07 GMT

Republican lawmakers warn Iran against killing protesters

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee warned Iran’s authorities against using force against protesters.

“If Tehran violently kills peaceful protestors, it will be swiftly met with justice,” it said in a post on X, citing an earlier statement by US President Donald Trump.

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