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Iran Protests Escalate: 100 Cities Demand Change Amid Violence

1/11/2026

Center

Iran Protests Escalate

Protests in Iran have spread to more than 100 cities as citizens object to economic collapse and government repression.
Demonstrators chanted "Death to the dictator" toward Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and urged Reza Pahlavi, exiled Crown Prince of Iran.
The government responded with violence, causing at least 62 deaths and thousands of arrests.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against crackdowns and signaled possible intervention if peaceful protesters are harmed.

Right

USAGM Expands Coverage

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) intensified coverage of protests in Iran and a military operation in Venezuela, and it hired contractors to provide honest coverage.
Kari Lake, head of USAGM, highlighted the rapid response and expanded broadcasts.
In Iran, protests against the Khomeini regime have spurred increased satellite programming and social media engagement, with record visits to the VOA Persian website.

History

Historical Context

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 marked the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy, led by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. This upheaval, fueled by widespread discontent over authoritarianism and economic instability, saw over 2 million protesters mobilizing against the regime. Today’s protests reflect ongoing struggles for political freedom and economic reform in Iran.

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Iran Protests Escalate

Protests in Iran have spread to more than 100 cities as citizens object to economic collapse and government repression.
Demonstrators chanted "Death to the dictator" toward Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and urged Reza Pahlavi, exiled Crown Prince of Iran.
The government responded with violence, causing at least 62 deaths and thousands of arrests.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against crackdowns and signaled possible intervention if peaceful protesters are harmed.

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