Iran Confronts Protests After Violent Crackdown

A deep and painful inquest is under way⁣ inside Iran as politicians, academics and the security establishment try to come to​ terms with what has been described as a catastrophe after the ​violent protests and their even more violent suppression ​by the security forces.

The shape of the debate taking place in ​the heavily censored society‌ is emerging,as​ selective newspapers and Telegram channels slowly open up to international audiences after the protests – which⁣ some estimates suggest could ⁢have ⁢left more ⁢than 30,000 dead – that have stunned many Iranians.Fissures are appearing across politics, society and diplomacy, suggesting Iran may be entering a more unpredictable period ⁤than a phase of repression by the dominant security establishment.

Calls are being made for an independent external inquiry into the⁣ death toll, for speeding up ‍the reopening of the ⁤internet ‌to save businesses on the brink,⁣ and for the government to ⁣shift⁢ its stance on foreign policy.

There ‍is also ‍deep ⁤concern that economic shock therapy and sanctions are driving food inflation close to an unsustainable 200% annually,with the stock ⁣market and the rial under ‌severe⁢ pressure.

few deny the severity of the tragedy that has befallen Iran, ⁢even if they disagree about‌ its cause⁢ and scale. Politically the ⁤crisis is especially⁤ deep for the reformists as they have held the presidency for 18 months and initially described the protests as legitimate.

Mohammad Fazeli, a reformist sociologist, wrote on his Telegram channel: “Iran’s history will be entangled with this event for⁣ decades, ⁢buried under the rubble of this catastrophe.

“But in these days, beyond the grief for those thousands⁤ killed‍ and wounded, a deep sorrow has gripped my entire being. I have there’s no doubt whatsoever that dozens of others like ​me have sunk into this same grief and bewilderment. The grief and misery of ‘We failed’.”

Abolfazl Ghadyani and Allegations ‌Against Ali Khamenei

Definition / Direct Answer: Abolfazl Ghadyani, an 80-year-old Iranian political activist ​currently imprisoned, has publicly accused Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali khamenei, of ordering the suppression of protests and committing crimes⁣ against humanity.
Detail: Ghadyani’s statement, reported in late January 2026, alleges that Khamenei ⁣directly instructed⁣ security forces to harshly quell⁣ the protests, characterizing this as an act of ⁢”endless hostile vindictiveness and the desire for revenge against ⁢the Iranian people.” He further stated the ‌scale of the repression was unprecedented in Iran’s recent history. ⁢Ghadyani’s comments were made from⁣ prison,highlighting⁣ the continued dissent despite government crackdowns. He also characterized Khamenei as a desperate ​leader facing inevitable‍ failure.
Example or Evidence: Ghadyani’s statement was reported by various news outlets following the ongoing protests in Iran,⁣ though independent ‍verification from within Iran⁢ is extremely arduous due to restricted media access.Radio Free Europe/Radio‍ Liberty reported on Ghadyani’s⁢ statements on January 28,⁣ 2026.

Internet Suppression and Internal Disputes in Iran

Definition ‍/ Direct Answer: The Iranian government continues to suppress ‍internet access during periods⁢ of unrest,but this policy is facing internal criticism,with some government ‌members blaming the security services for the shutdowns.
Detail: According to the source, Iranian security‍ services view criticism like⁣ Ghadyani’s ​as justification for continued​ internet ⁢suppression. ​however, the report also ‌indicates a disagreement within‌ the government itself, with some officials ⁤holding the security services responsible for the​ disruptions to internet access. This suggests a power struggle or differing approaches to managing​ dissent within the Iranian government. Internet ​shutdowns have⁢ been a recurring ⁢tactic employed by iranian authorities during protests,⁢ aiming to limit⁢ the flow of information and hinder organization among demonstrators.
Example or Evidence: Human Rights ​Watch documented widespread internet⁢ shutdowns during the September 2022 protests in⁤ iran, noting their impact on the ability of citizens to communicate and access information. While this report predates the January 2026 timeframe, it establishes a pattern of internet suppression by the Iranian ⁤government. Further reports from The Committee to Protect Journalists consistently highlight restrictions on media freedom and internet access in Iran.

Ali Khamenei and the Iranian​ protests

Definition / Direct Answer: Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has been accused of directly ordering ‍the ‌suppression of protests and is facing increasing criticism ‌both domestically and internationally.
Detail: ‌ Khamenei holds ultimate authority in Iran’s political system, overseeing the military, judiciary, and religious institutions. ‍ The protests referenced in ⁤the source stem from a variety of⁣ grievances, including economic hardship, social restrictions, and political repression. Ghadyani’s accusation directly implicates Khamenei in a crackdown on these protests, alleging ⁢a deliberate strategy of violence and revenge. The protests ‌have​ been ongoing sence September 2022, initially sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while​ in the‌ custody of the morality police.
Example or ⁤Evidence: The U.S.​ Department of State has consistently condemned the Iranian government’s response to the protests and imposed sanctions ‍on officials involved in the repression. Specifically, sanctions have been levied against⁤ individuals and entities linked to the security forces and judiciary responsible for the crackdown. The Office of Foreign assets Control (OFAC) maintains a⁢ list of⁤ sanctioned individuals and entities related to Iran, providing specific details on the rationale for‌ each sanction.

Breaking news‍ Check (2026/01/29 20:00:53): ‌As of this date, reports continue to emerge regarding ongoing protests and crackdowns in Iran. ⁣ There have been no significant⁢ updates directly contradicting Ghadyani’s statements, but independent verification remains challenging. ‍ BBC ⁢News reported on January 29, 2026, that protests‍ continue in several Iranian cities, with ‌reports of arrests and clashes with security‍ forces. The internet remains heavily restricted.