Iran protests: Nearly 300 arrested as unrest escalates

Authorities in Iran have arrested 297 people during ongoing protests across the country, local media reports.

19 of those detained were neutralised in police operations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian security forces.

The demonstrations, which began in late December 2025, were initially sparked by a sharp fall in the national currency and rising retail prices. In several cities, the protests escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police, resulting in hundreds of fatalities.

Iranian authorities have, for the first time, officially acknowledged that roughly 2,000 people—including security personnel—have died during nationwide protests, an unnamed official told Reuters. The official attributed the deaths to “terrorists,” without providing a detailed breakdown.

The unrest began on December 28 after a sharp devaluation of Iran’s currency and has expanded into broader demonstrations over economic hardship and calls for the clerical establishment’s fall. Analysts say it represents the country’s most significant internal challenge in at least three years, amid rising international pressure following Israeli and US strikes last year.

US President Donald Trump announced 25% import tariffs on goods from countries trading with Iran and indicated military options remain under consideration. China criticised the move, while Tehran has yet to respond publicly.

By Aghakazim Guliyev