Iran Vows Tough Stance on ‘Rioters’ Amid Ongoing Protests Over Economic Woes
Iran’s judiciary chief declared on January 5, 2026, that there would be no mercy for those labeled as “rioters,” while affirming that citizens retain the right to protest peacefully, as demonstrations continued for over a week with occasional violence.
The statement from Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei followed a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who cautioned that Iran would face severe consequences from the United States if authorities killed additional demonstrators.
Protests erupted on December 28, initially triggered by a strike among Tehran shopkeepers frustrated with soaring prices and economic stagnation. The unrest has since expanded to other regions, incorporating political grievances.
According to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency, Mohseni Ejei directed prosecutors nationwide to pursue “rioters” and their supporters firmly under the law, without any leniency. He emphasized that authorities heed legitimate protesters and their criticisms, clearly separating them from those engaging in disorder.
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An AFP tally, drawn from official statements and media reports, indicates demonstrations have occurred in 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces, impacting at least 45 cities—primarily smaller ones in the western areas.
Official reports confirm at least 12 deaths since December 30 in scattered clashes, including security personnel.
Iranian leaders have adopted a measured approach to economic complaints but promised firm action against instability. The economy suffers from stringent international sanctions, with the rial depreciating over a third against the dollar in the past year and inflation remaining high.
On January 4, the government introduced a monthly citizen allowance worth about 3.5 percent of the average wage to ease hardships.
The reformist newspaper Arman Melli noted on January 5 that officials had acknowledged protesters’ concerns, whereas conservative outlets Javan and Kayhan alleged funding from the United States and Israel for agitators.
Trump, speaking to reporters, said the U.S. was monitoring events closely and would respond strongly to further killings. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei, at a press conference attended by AFP journalists, accused Israel of attempting to exploit the situation to create divisions.
The Fars news agency reported a decline in protest gatherings on January 4 compared to prior days. In Tehran on January 5, most businesses operated normally after a holiday weekend, though riot police were visible at key points, per AFP observations.
The current unrest echoes previous nationwide protests but has not yet matched their intensity, such as those in 2022 following Mahsa Amini’s death in custody.